Individuals hitting their 5 Ways to Wellbeing this many times…

Give

And…

thousands of the people we work with achieving life-changing & meaningful hard outcomes, such as…

Reducing contact and attendance with A&E and emergency services

Did you know that a visit to A&E costs on average £1,560, When you factor in emergency care, inpatient admissions, and necessary follow-up treatments?

(Based on NHS England Costings report)

—-

Our work in reducing individuals contact with A&E alone, saved over £230,000 on the public purse throughout 2024/25.

Hours of their time, providing peer support, group facilitation, help at community projects, and much more.

Using the minimum wage a baseline, at £11.44 per hour during 2024/25, our volunteers contributed over  £45,760 into our communities.

At Red Rose Recovery, we believe in…

Recovery Infrastructure Organisation

Lancashire county council

Red Rose are commissioned by Lancashire County Council’s Public Health Team to deliver a Recovery Infrastructure Organisation (RIO).

For us this means that we:

• Demonstrate visible recovery, and the various routes to this.
• Build and maintain a vibrant recovery community in Lancashire.
• Provide groups, projects, community events and volunteering opportunities for people in recovery to participate in.
• Support the Lancashire User Forum to provide service users in Lancashire a voice and use this to influence service design, to celebrate recovery, to educate the community and to reduce stigma.
• To manage the Building Recovery in Communities (BRiC) fund to enable projects, for and/or supporting those in recovery to bid for public funds to kickstart their business.

In 2024-25 we had…

attendances at our groups, Projects & Events

Red Rose Recovery’s partnership with Lancashire County Council has yielded remarkable results over the past year, demonstrating the profound impact of our collaborative efforts. Through our role as a Recovery Infrastructure Organisation, we have delivered 3,136 group sessions and facilitated 28,295 attendances, showcasing the extensive reach and engagement of our activities.

Our innovative approach has proven to be highly cost-effective, returning £11 for every £1 spent on group delivery and attendances, and £22 for every £1 invested in reducing substance misuse within our communities. These impressive figures underscore our commitment to creating lasting, positive change in Lancashire.

What a Year of Growth, Connection and Hope at Red Rose Recovery

It has been another remarkable year across Lancashire for Red Rose Recovery. The spirit of community, compassion and transformation has continued to shine through in everything we do. From group sessions to major events, peer support to public outreach, our work has made a meaningful difference to thousands of lives.

Expanding Our Reach and Strengthening Our Community

This year has seen our organisation grow stronger than ever. With more groups, volunteers and community partnerships than before, we’ve expanded our reach and continued to break down barriers for people in recovery. Our volunteer-led model continues to be a driving force behind our success, with passionate individuals leading sessions, mentoring peers and helping shape the future of the service.

The introduction of new structured programmes like ROAR (Risk of Addiction and Relapse) and LIFE has given beneficiaries new tools for understanding their recovery journeys and developing confidence, stability and purpose. At the same time, longstanding favourites like Here and Now, 5 Ways to Wellbeing and Comfort Zone continue to be vital spaces for connection and personal growth.

A Rich and Varied Group Offer

The groups running across our North, Central and East localities reflect the diversity of our community and the creativity of our approach. Popular weekly offerings like No Excuses Boxing, Dance Fitness and Mindful Movement support physical and emotional wellbeing. Community Café mornings and Funday Monday bingo create space for lightness and laughter. Warrior Women and Reach Out for Men continue to provide safe, supportive spaces for people to share, connect and be heard.

We have also grown our offer through new additions including fishing sessions focused on mental health, gardening clubs like Garden and Grow, creative sessions like Get Crafty and music-based therapy and quiz nights through our digital support offer. These groups not only provide therapeutic value, they help people build routine, friendships and confidence.

Bringing People Together Through Events

This year has been filled with powerful events that have brought people together, celebrated recovery and created opportunities for growth and learning. The annual LUF Stock campout remains a favourite, offering families in recovery a chance to bond in nature and celebrate the journey together. Our Lancashire User Forums have been bigger than ever, with local services, public health teams and lived experience voices sharing space and ideas.

There were moments of challenge too, but even these became opportunities to show the strength of our community. When we cancelled a major event to support a volunteer’s funeral, it showed the depth of care that runs through Red Rose Recovery. And from Halloween parties to Christmas celebrations, every moment has been about building joy, connection and a sense of belonging.

We’ve also continued to build lasting partnerships with universities, social care teams, local authorities and third sector providers. Staff have delivered guest lectures, co-produced modules on addiction and recovery, and helped shape how professionals across the region understand the experience of lived recovery.

Support that Reaches Further

We’ve been there for people through every season and every challenge. Our food parcels, toy drives and Christmas hampers supported families during the festive period. Drop-ins and outreach have continued throughout the year, reaching those on the margins and offering support with compassion and consistency.

Thanks to the hard work of our teams, Red Rose Recovery has been visible in town centres, train stations, community events and even boxing rings. From the Three Peaks Challenge to strongman competitions, our beneficiaries have shown what’s possible with belief, support and purpose.

Training, Volunteering and the Power of Lived Experience

This year saw 100’s of people receive in-person training across a range of topics including trauma-informed care, drug awareness and peer facilitation. Our volunteers continue to be the heart of our work, many progressing from group attendees to group leaders and even into paid employment.

We are incredibly proud of the peer-led culture we’ve built. From delivering training in prisons to running sessions for local councils, our lived experience continues to guide everything we do.

Looking Ahead

The last year has been one of real impact, real learning and real growth. We’ve celebrated lives turned around, families reunited, new friendships formed and communities strengthened. We’ve delivered consistent support in ways that feel meaningful and human, always led by the people we serve.

We are proud of what we have achieved together and excited for what lies ahead. Red Rose Recovery remains a place where recovery is not only possible but celebrated, shared and lived every single day.

Mental Health Services

We are commissioned to deliver several Mental Health based contracts throughout Lancashire & South Cumbria, which includes, amongst others, Mental Health Peer Support, Long-Covid, Dual Diagnosis, Initial Response and Harm Reduction Support Services.

OUR MENTAL HEALTH CONTRACTS IN A NUTSHELL…

MENTAL HEALTH PEER SUPPORT

OVERVIEW OF THE MENTAL HEALTH PEER SUPPORT CONTRACT

We were proud to retain the PSW contract across all existing areas and to expand into Fylde and Blackburn with Darwen. Now delivered in partnership with AIF and Acorn under the Calico-led Zest partnership, this contract supports hundreds of people living with mental health conditions to build resilience, confidence and connection.

With four new team leaders and 28 dedicated staff members across the patch, our teams provide one-to-one support, facilitate community-based groups, and act as vital links between statutory services and the community. PSWs attend transformation meetings, operational meetings, and Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team (EMDT) meetings weekly, ensuring joined-up care is always at the heart of what we do.

Highlights this year included the introduction of a new music therapy group in East Lancashire, detox support resulting in sobriety milestones, and clients successfully moving into employment, volunteering, or reconnecting with local services and networks. In Cumbria, the service continued to offer support even as referrals were paused due to staffing changes, with clients expressing deep gratitude for the positive emotional impact of our group work and relationship.

Physical Health Checks for People with SMI

New this year, this contract supports individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) to access their physical health checks. While in the North this work is delivered by existing PSWs, dedicated staff have been appointed in East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen to lead this important initiative. This work is bridging the gap between physical and mental health, ensuring that vulnerable people receive the care they need without stigma or complication.

Long Covid Service

Our Long Covid service was extended until March 2025, before being decommissioned due to funding changes. During its operation, the team offered personalised, trauma-informed support to those dealing with the long-term effects of Covid-19. Clients were supported with tailored action plans, emotional support, and helped to access benefits, healthcare, and community groups.

Immediate Response Service (IRS)

The IRS contract in East Lancashire provided rapid-response support to individuals experiencing short-term mental health crises. Staff offered practical help with housing, domestic abuse, addiction, and community reintegration. While the service was highly valued and widely used, it is set to close due to funding restrictions. Importantly, staff members will remain with us through redeployment into the PSW team under Zest.

Dual Diagnosis Workers

We secured funding to continue employing three Dual Diagnosis Workers, one in each locality, who provide one-to-one support for individuals with both mental health issues and substance misuse. These workers also run groups that offer safe spaces for open conversation, recovery planning, and peer connection.

Across all contracts, we’ve seen countless examples of transformation and progress. From detox completions and sobriety milestones, to meaningful testimonials from NHS colleagues and clients, the Red Rose Recovery mental health services continue to build lives of hope, resilience and connection. We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve nurtured, the dedication of our staff, and the trust we’ve earned in communities across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Liaison & Diversion and RECONNECT

Criminal Justice Work

Almost half of the people using probation services have a drug and/or alcohol misuse need (HMIP, 2021).

 

Substance use interventions are vital given that drug-related deaths have increased by 80% since 2012, and the harms from drug misuse cost £19.3 billion per year (DHSC, 2021)

Over the past year, our criminal justice programme has made a substantial impact in supporting 176 individuals in their efforts to reduce re-offending, providing an economic benefit of £14 for every £1 spent.

Through a multifaceted approach that combines personalised interventions, comprehensive support services, and ongoing engagement, we have successfully contributed to significant behavioural and lifestyle changes among participants.

Criminal Justice: Sustained Support from Custody to Community

Our Criminal Justice team continues to play a vital role in supporting individuals involved in the justice system across Lancashire and Cumbria. With a well-established and trusted presence across the region, we operate consistently in nine police custody suites, six prisons, and directly within local communities.

Working in close collaboration with the probation service, NHS teams (including Liaison and Diversion and Reconnect), forensic mental health services, community policing teams, integrated offender management officers, and local authorities, our approach is deeply embedded within the wider support system. This integrated model allows us to deliver a seamless journey of care, from the point of arrest, through incarceration, and on into community reintegration.

Our tailored interventions are designed to break cycles of offending and build pathways to meaningful recovery. These include risk reduction strategies, group-based support, mental health and wellbeing sessions, one-to-one peer support, and access to recovery-focused resources. Every interaction is shaped by compassion, lived experience, and a belief in people’s ability to change.

A core element of our offer is the Liaison and Diversion service, delivered in partnership with the NHS. Our Peer Support Workers — many of whom have direct lived experience of the justice system — are permanently embedded within custody suites, providing practical support, empathy, and a vital connection to community-based services. Their presence often provides the first moment of trust and possibility for vulnerable detainees.

We also continue to play a key role in the Reconnect service, supporting individuals before and after release across six prisons. This service helps to identify unmet needs, coordinate support, and improve outcomes by ensuring that high-risk individuals do not fall through the gaps at the crucial point of transition. Whether helping to access housing, health care, recovery support or basic essentials, the team’s role is instrumental in reducing reoffending and promoting long-term stability.

By maintaining strong partnerships and a deeply person-centred approach, our Criminal Justice work remains a critical part of our wider mission — helping individuals to turn difficult pasts into positive futures.

changing futures

What is Changing Futures?

Changing Futures is a national initiative led by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, created to improve outcomes for adults facing multiple disadvantage, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill health, and contact with the criminal justice system. With a £64 million investment over three years, the programme was designed not just to support individuals, but to drive long-term, systemic change across local services.

Changing Futures: Rebuilding Trust, Transforming Lives

In Lancashire, Red Rose Recovery plays a pivotal role in this work. Our teams in both Central and East Lancashire are made up of Navigators, Associate Navigators, and Peer Mentors, all of whom bring lived experience to the table. Their job is to walk alongside some of the most marginalised people in our communities, offering not only support but a genuine connection that helps to rebuild trust in services that may have failed them in the past.

Our staff work intensively with each beneficiary over a 12-month period, using a trauma-informed and person-centred approach. This style of engagement creates space for people to be heard, understood, and supported on their own terms. Navigators act as advocates, connectors and trusted companions, guiding people through complex systems and making sure their voices are not just included, but central to their recovery journey.

The results have been remarkable. Many individuals who had previously been written off or disengaged from services have shown significant progress through Changing Futures. Where other systems have struggled to make an impact, our team’s compassion, consistency, and credibility have opened new doors and changed lives.

As a learning pilot, Changing Futures is also shaping the way services collaborate across Lancashire. Through shared learning and cross-sector engagement, we’re contributing to a new way of working, one that sees people for who they are, not just the problems they face.

This is change that starts with trust, and Red Rose Recovery is proud to be part of it.

Roots Community is a forum advocating for recovery in the Blackburn-with-Darwen area. By bringing together individuals who have been affected by addiction alongside partner organisations in the recovery sector, the Community seeks to:

• empower and amplify the voices of people accessing services through the maxim ‘nothing about us without us’;
• build recovery capital through the creation of training, development, volunteering and employment opportunities;
• develop positive, practical solutions to the systemic challenges faced by Community members.

Roots Community is a sister organisation to the Lancashire User Forum, a pioneering collective which has grown since its inception in 2006 to become one of the largest forums of its kind in the UK. 

Roots Community: Strength in Recovery, Leadership in Action

Roots Community has continued to grow in strength, size and impact throughout the year, becoming an increasingly powerful force for recovery, inclusion and community transformation in Blackburn with Darwen.

What began as a grassroots initiative is now a recognised, respected and evolving part of the wider recovery landscape, both locally and nationally. The commitment of our members, staff and volunteers has created a space where recovery is visible, purposeful and shared.

Building Capacity, Growing Support

This year, we expanded our team to six passionate staff members — four part-time and two full-time — bringing new energy, ideas and consistency to the work we do. With this increased capacity, we have introduced regular weekly wellbeing check-in calls, designed to identify and respond early to “warriors down” situations, while making sure every member continues to feel valued and supported.

We’ve also increased direct, on-the-ground support to help people access services like SPARK. Roots is now delivering up to 10 weekly activities, running every day of the week, creating opportunities for recovery, structure and social connection.

Meaningful Activity, Every Day

The variety and consistency of our weekly groups have made Roots a reliable anchor in people’s recovery. Activities include music, cooking, goal setting, and regular community clean-ups — giving members the tools to grow personally while also giving back. These sessions are complemented by one-off projects and seasonal events, all designed to inspire, uplift and connect.

Highlights this year included peer research workshops, collaborative naloxone training, and even festive carol singing to bring joy to local care home residents. Our activity programme continues to reflect the creativity, energy and lived experience at the heart of Roots.

Recognition and National Interest

The success of Roots has not gone unnoticed. We were proud to be nominated for the CVS Volunteer Awards in the Grassroots category, a testament to the impact of our work and the commitment of our volunteers. We’re also being approached by organisations across the UK, eager to understand how Roots was developed and how it continues to thrive. Our model of peer-led recovery is fast becoming a source of inspiration to others.

New Projects and New Energy

In the final quarter, we saw exciting new developments take shape. Four Roots members completed specialist bee-keeping training, and we’ve now begun purchasing hives and equipment to launch a community bee-keeping project. This initiative will combine therapeutic activity, environmental awareness and enterprise skills, and we’re excited about its potential.

We also welcomed three new staff members, bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives to an already vibrant and diverse team. As they settle in, we look forward to even greater innovation and reach in the year ahead.

Rooted in Recovery, Growing in Purpose

Roots Community has stayed true to its mission — to support individual recovery while empowering people to contribute, lead and connect. We continue to collaborate with partners on life-saving work like the Peer to Peer Naloxone project, while providing a steady rhythm of group activity and peer engagement that remains the heartbeat of our work.

As we move forward, Roots remains a shining example of what is possible when lived experience leads the way. Recovery is not only happening — it is thriving, and it is making Blackburn with Darwen stronger, more connected and more hopeful with each passing day.

What is North Yorkshire Connected Spaces (NYCS)…

North Yorkshire Connective Spaces (NYCS) is Red Rose Recovery’s growing recovery initiative in North Yorkshire, designed to connect individuals, build resilience, and make recovery visible in a region where support can often feel fragmented and out of reach.

NYCS provides a collective voice for the recovery community in North Yorkshire, bringing together people and groups from all walks of life to meet shared needs around wellbeing, addiction recovery, mental health and social connection. It reflects a grassroots movement where lived experience leads, relationships matter, and communities are strengthened through mutual support.

By hosting regular events and activities, NYCS creates opportunities for people to meet up, socialise, support one another, share ideas, and exchange resources. Whether through group sessions, one-to-one peer support or local partnerships, the project helps people build recovery capital; the social, emotional and practical foundations that help recovery thrive.

It is a space where connection replaces loneliness, experience becomes strength, and everyone has a seat at the table. With every group, every conversation, and every act of kindness, NYCS is helping to grow a recovery community that is inclusive, hopeful, and here to stay.

North Yorkshire Connected Spaces (NYCS): Building Recovery Through Connection

Over the past year, NYCS has continued to foster a vibrant recovery community across North Yorkshire. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, NYCS has provided a platform for mutual support, shared experiences, and collective growth.

Community Engagement and Events

NYCS has organised various events and activities aimed at strengthening community bonds and promoting recovery:

• Forums and Support Groups: Regular forums have been held to discuss support options and share experiences, providing attendees with valuable information and a sense of community.

• Community Clean-Up Initiatives: NYCS has led community litter picks, bringing together staff, recovering individuals, and community members to improve local environments and foster a sense of pride and collaboration.

• Volunteer Engagement: The organisation has encouraged volunteer participation, highlighting the importance of community involvement in building a stronger recovery network.

Support Services

NYCS has continued to provide support services tailored to the needs of the recovery community:

• Women and Toddler Groups: These groups offer a safe space for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other in their recovery journeys.

• Collaboration with Local Organisations: NYCS has worked alongside local councils and recovery organisations to enhance support services and outreach efforts.

Fundraising and Community Support

To sustain and expand its initiatives, NYCS has engaged in fundraising activities:

• Raffle Events: Organising raffles to raise funds, NYCS has sought community support to continue its mission of providing recovery resources and support.

Through these efforts, NYCS has reinforced its commitment to building a connected and supportive recovery community in North Yorkshire. By facilitating events, support groups, and collaborative initiatives, NYCS continues to empower individuals on their recovery journeys.

What is Project Free…

Project Free is a lived experience recovery initiative working across Greater Manchester, supporting adults with substance-related offending behaviour to rebuild their lives. The project empowers individuals to break free from addiction and criminality, using the strength of peer support and credible role models to create lasting change.

At its core, Project Free offers more than just support, it provides connection, purpose and belief. Led by a team of individuals with personal experience of both recovery and rehabilitation, the service delivers honest, empathetic support that resonates deeply with those it reaches. Through one-to-one guidance and community-based activity, the project helps people address not only substance use, but also the underlying trauma, social barriers and life circumstances that often drive offending behaviour.

By working with compassion, consistency and lived experience at the heart, Project Free is making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities…one person, one conversation, one breakthrough at a time.

Project Free: Recovery, Rehabilitation and Real-World Change

Project Free has had an inspiring year across Greater Manchester, continuing to support individuals with substance-related offending histories as they journey toward recovery and reintegration. With lived experience at the heart of the service, Project Free has strengthened its impact through bold visibility, personal connection, and authentic community action.

Community Engagement and Events

Project Free has consistently delivered activities and opportunities that bring people together and break stigma:

• Peer-Led Outreach and Support: The team regularly visits hostels, probation offices, and community centres, offering practical support and motivation to people in early recovery or at risk of relapse. These visits build bridges between services and individuals often hardest to reach.

• Recovery Conversations and Forums: Through structured sessions and informal group conversations, Project Free creates safe spaces for people to share openly and explore their potential beyond addiction and offending. These groups are led by those with direct experience, offering both inspiration and realism.

• Collaborative Events: Project Free has taken part in recovery festivals, community engagement days and awareness campaigns, promoting hope and visibility through stalls, lived experience talks, and partnership working. Their presence is grounded and powerful, offering a clear message that change is possible.

Support Services and Partnerships

Working closely with local agencies such as probation services, housing providers, and community addiction teams, Project Free offers wraparound support. From assistance attending appointments, to housing advice, job-seeking, and reconnecting with family, the service focuses on rebuilding the full picture of a person’s life.

Their team also provides support with emotional wellbeing, confidence-building and relapse prevention, using storytelling, humour, empathy, and trust as core tools for engagement.

Volunteer and Peer Development

This year, Project Free has continued to create pathways for service users to become volunteers and paid peer supporters. By encouraging people to step into leadership and advocacy roles, the project not only supports individual transformation, but also strengthens the recovery community across Greater Manchester.

From Lived Experience to Leading Change: The Story Behind Project Free

Two Years of Hope and Transformation

For two years, Project Free has been a beacon of hope for individuals navigating the complexities of addiction recovery and the criminal justice system. Born from a deeply personal journey, the project stands as a testament to the power of lived experience and the unwavering belief in the possibility of change. 

The founder’s story is one of profound transformation. From the age of ten, entangled in the care system, followed by years within the criminal justice system from the age of fourteen, culminating in decades of imprisonment, the path was challenging. Early experimentation led to entrenched drug use by the age of 21, and a long period of reliance on prescribed medications. At 45, a pivotal decision was made: to seek genuine recovery. Entering rehabilitation marked the beginning of a new chapter, encompassing detox and comprehensive aftercare. 

Twelve months into sustained recovery, a significant opportunity arose: a role within the criminal justice sector with Acorn. This experience paved the way for further involvement in innovative approaches to support those facing similar challenges. The onset of lockdown prompted a shift to online learning, with the founder successfully completing Health and Social Care qualifications, further solidifying their commitment to this field. 

Maintaining recovery for over 20 months post-release brought profound personal rewards. Reconnecting with family, witnessing significant milestones like brothers and daughters’ weddings, and nieces’ weddings, reinforced the value of the journey. Yet, a sense of purpose remained, a desire to give back. 

Reflecting on the lack of local heroes with lived experience within the community, the founder was driven to act. A passion for supporting individuals leaving prison ignited the creation of Project Free, a Community Interest Company, established two years ago in 2023. 

A reconnection with a former drug worker, encountered 25 years prior within the community, proved instrumental. Upon learning of Project Free’s mission, this individual became a dedicated supporter, attending drop-in centres and collaborating with probation and prison services. Drug services provided crucial support by securing venues for events and group sessions focused on addiction recovery and criminal justice. This collaboration demonstrated that, with the right support, hope can be rekindled. 

A pivotal moment in Project Free’s development came through a mutual friend of the founder, who connected the project with Matthew Kid. Matthew’s support proved invaluable, helping to secure crucial funding. Alongside Tom Woodcock and Peter Yarwood, Matthew provided essential oversight and facilitated the holding and raising of resources through his existing company’s bank account. His continued support as part of the steering group remains a cornerstone of Project Free’s ongoing success. 

Throughout the past two years, the project has fostered a strong partnership with Peter Yarwood from Red Rose Recovery, a relationship built on years of shared experience within the system. This collaboration has been pivotal in securing funding and developing Project Free, demonstrating the power of shared values and lived experience. 

Project Free is committed to empowering individuals with lived experience by offering volunteer opportunities within the organisation. This not only provides valuable experience but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Expanding its reach beyond Bury, Project Free has established services in Oldham, extending its support to the wider Greater Manchester area. 

The project has achieved remarkable outcomes and forged strong links with partner organisations, including Acorn, Calico, and Achieve Action Together. The dedication and lived experience of the Red Rose Recovery team have been invaluable, providing unwavering support to those who have lost hope and are trapped within the criminal justice system. 

At the heart of Project Free is a commitment to maintaining personal recovery and demonstrating that a path to a fulfilling life is possible. By sharing their own journeys, the team at Project Free offer a tangible example of hope and transformation, proving that recovery is not just a possibility, but a reality. Just like the team at Red Rose Recovery, Project Free believes in the potential of every individual to find their path to a brighter future.