When 52 year old Richard was admitted to hospital in January 2019, he was told by a consultant that if he didn’t stop drinking, he would die.

Now, two and a half years on, Richard is teetotal and says the support of the Active Choices programme has helped him through his journey.

One of the Trusts longest running programmes, Active Choices is designed to help individuals in getting more active and maintaining routines as they recover from substance misuse. It also provides sustainable exit routes for participants.

Richard used to drink ten litres of cider a day for around twenty years which had a catastrophic effect on his health, however since joining Active Choices in February 2020, has engaged in a number of the projects activities, making new friends and getting a new outlook on life

“Being sat at home, the idea of drinking is always in your head which gets worse when the boredom kicks in, but having Active Choices stops that thought process

“Active Choices has played a big part in my life since I joined last year and met the team. That could be going to the gym, going on walks, or just relaxing playing pool and having a chat – it gets me out of my flat and doesn’t even give me the chance to think about alcohol.

“It’s a structure and a platform – some people here are at the start of their journeys and because I’m further on, I’ve been able to support them, especially though lockdown which has been really good for me too”

Working in partnership with local organisations including homeless shelters, hostels and rehabilitation and treatment centres, along with the local authority in wider Derbyshire, we accept referrals on to the programme when individuals are committed to their abstinence.  

Active Choices