Our Recovery Support Team is here to help people who have accessed one of The Forward Trust’s services and want ongoing recovery support to maintain and strengthen their progress. Whether you need one-to-one guidance, access to workshops, or connections to volunteering and housing services, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Who We Support
Our Recovery Support Service is available to current or former Forward clients who are on a substance use recovery pathway and making progress towards their goals. While abstinence is not required, clients must be in control of their drug and/or alcohol use. This means no uncontrolled use such as heavy drinking, daily or binge substance use, or antisocial behaviour.
If you think Recovery Support might be right for you or someone you know and would like more information, or if you're unsure whether you meet the criteria, please contact us at recoverysupport@forwardtrust.org.uk for guidance on referrals and suitability.
How We Help
Every client is matched with a dedicated Recovery Support Worker; services can be accessed in person, by phone, or online. Our support includes:
- One-to-One Support – Offered on a case-by-case basis for individuals unable to access group sessions. These cover the same topics as group work and are also available for those in crisis who need additional support from a keyworker.
- Group Sessions & Workshops – Delivered both face to face and online, these are the main forms of support available. Topics include health and wellbeing, 12-step guidance, building recovery capital, support with prison release or community discharge, recovery coaching, employability skills, and sustaining accommodation.
- Volunteering Opportunities – Guidance in finding meaningful volunteer roles within and outside The Forward Trust.
- Forward Connect Community – Access to a supportive network of people in recovery.
- Signposting to Specialist Services – Referrals to housing, employment, financial support, probation services, recovery housing, fellowships, and more.
- Peer Mentoring:
- Recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers with lived experience, supporting individuals in recovery from addiction.
- Opportunities for peer mentors to complete further training and gain qualifications to enhance their role.
- Mentoring: Clients can be matched with a peer mentor for up to six months of dedicated one-to-one recovery support.
- Meet & Greets – Support with travel for people being released from prison to safely reach their release address or appointments, and for those in the community to travel safely to or from rehab, detox, or supported accommodation.
- Recovery Housing – Shared accommodation for people who are abstinent and in recovery, or proactively working towards this. Fully furnished, bills included and funded through housing benefits, with ongoing support from the Recovery Support Team and a specialist housing worker.
- Recovery Coaching Programme (available in select areas) – Access to a coach to help plan and achieve your recovery goals, offered through group or one-to-one sessions.
- Lived Experience Workshops – Inspirational shares delivered by The Forward Trust lived experience ambassadors across all services.
Peer Support at The Forward Trust
Our Recovery Support Team also oversees Peer Supporters and Peer Mentors, who play a vital role in helping others on their recovery journey.
- Peer Supporters – Current service users who volunteer within Forward services, assisting with group work and client check-ins.
- Peer Mentors – Volunteers with lived experience of recovery, who have at least three months of abstinence and are DBS-checked. Peer Mentors provide direct support in various roles depending on the service.
Our team regularly visits Forward services to engage with staff and clients, sharing how Recovery Support can help. If you’d like to arrange a visit or have any questions, email us at recoverysupport@forwardtrust.org.uk.
Get in Touch
Interested in Recovery Support? Fill out our expression of interest form and we’ll get in touch to discuss your needs.
