01 Jul 2026
The Forward Trust is delighted to announce its appointment to support an established Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO) in Nottinghamshire, strengthening peer-led recovery support across the region.
Nottinghamshire commissioners have selected Forward to work alongside Stronger Roots, a well‑established LERO, as it expands and enhances its service offer for local communities.
LEROs are community‑based organisations led and shaped by people with lived experience of substance use, recovery, and related challenges. Their distinctive service model enables them to play a vital role within local recovery systems, where peer-support is a key element of commissioned drug and alcohol recovery services. LEROs provide safe, welcoming spaces for individuals seeking help, and are widely recognised for their ability to engage with local communities.
Strengthening LEROs has become a national priority, with social justice charities such as The Forward Trust increasingly being asked to contribute their expertise. The Forward Trust will be working with Stronger Routes to further enhance its governance frameworks, build on its sector and partnership networks, and understanding of how LEROs can maximise their effectiveness — as we have done in Kent with the LERO 'Reach Out and Recover' (ROAR)
As part of this new partnership, The Forward Trust will begin by supporting volunteer recruitment and development within Stronger Roots. Two full‑time members of staff will work closely with the organisation to establish, embed, and grow its volunteer network.
The Forward Trust is also pleased to be working alongside Change Grow Live (CGL), the prime provider for the service, aligning expertise across organisations to deliver a cohesive and effective local recovery system.
“We are delighted to be working in Nottinghamshire and supporting Stronger Roots as it continues its outstanding work in the community. This partnership will bring real benefits for people accessing this important Lived Experience Recovery Organisation. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience delivering effective, evidence‑based drug and alcohol support, The Forward Trust will provide practical insight, guidance, and support to help strengthen and grow the service. We are excited about this new venture and look forward to seeing the positive developments it will deliver throughout this year and well into the future.”
The Forward Trust looks forward to working collaboratively with Stronger Roots, CGL, commissioners, and local partners to strengthen lived experience leadership and enhance recovery support throughout Nottinghamshire.
