19 Sep 2025
Delivered on behalf of Forward's amazing Forward Connect pee-led recovery service, these inclusive and inspiring annual reunions take place once a year to celebrate recovery and transformation across the country.
In these four incredible testimonials, you will hear stories about overcoming childhood neglect and abuse, falling into criminality and often running parallel with substance use addiction.
These extended video versions (all 10 minutes-plus), provide unflinching accounts of the devastating impact of drug and alcohol addiction.
Please help us share and spread the word about our work - and let everyone know that #RecoveryIsPossible.
Lindsey shares her incredible journey - from her former life as a doting Mother with a secure job through to succumbing to addiction and spiraling into a life of crime, eventually leading to a prison. Lindsey's testimony highlights the devastating and life-changing impact of addiction and the challenges associated with prison life. Lindsey's recovery and transformation is truly remarkable - reclaiming her family relationships, sharing her story and leading a positive life to support others.
Share: https://youtu.be/OBpM-s4YxPk?feature=shared #ForwardTrust
Nicky shares his powerful story of recovery. Growing up, Nicky felt he was drawn to a life of crime and offending which led him down a perpetual cycle of prison time. This emotional share sees Nicky explain - in his own words - how we got through this dark period before finding the courage within himself to seek a better life. Nicky's life is now enriched and joyful, finding solace in the smaller every day moments he used to take for granted.
Share: https://youtu.be/c8AzIO1dyRA #ForwardTrust
Carrie shares her powerful story of supporting a loved one through addiction. There are very few stories that explain in detail how to support a husband, wife, life-partner or family member through substance use. This captivating share by Carrie unpacks the journey of recovery from start to finish. From being a worried and caring onlooker of her husband's alcohol addiction, Carrie was able to support her partner to seek help and support through Forward Trust drug and alcohol services. Carrie gives a comprehensive insight into the steps that took place to support the family unit - and the actions she took to enable her husband's recovery to gather momentum. Carrie's family are now free of active addiction - yet continue to engage with recovery services with the benefits explained in how this helps to keep families together.
Share: https://youtu.be/dckfiJx4Cds
Ilario's shares his fascinating account of prison life and moving through addiction services with the help of The Forward Trust. Ilario explains how we entered prison, becoming embroiled in a destructive lifestyle of drug-taking and drug-dealing across a number of prison wings. This honest and forthright account of prison life is an immersive glimpse into how anyone - regardless of their upbringing, nationality, race, gender and view of the world - can end up the endless cycle of prison. Ilario explains how, with the intervention of Forward's substance use recovery services, he was able to transform his life and start afresh. Ilario is now an inspiring ambassador of our work, and this story is an enriching example of individuals that are now leading fulfilling and healthier lives.
Share: https://youtu.be/sOj8LZoQYGY #ForwardTrust
There are so many ways you can get involved in our work and events, including:
Drug and Alcohol support services - prison and community
You can also find out more about our plans for next year and our smaller regional reunion events that take place across the UK, including our Northern Reunion in Hull, by contacting Forward Connect: forwardconnect@forwardtrust.org.uk
