A VITAL recovery and treatment service for drug and alcohol users in Warrington has introduced an additional program catered to children under 18.

Pathways to Recovery Warrington first opened in 2007 and re-launched its service in September.

Part of Change Grow Live, Pathways is a voluntary sector organisation specialising in drug and alcohol treatment, criminal justice, social care, and health.

And so far, its services have only ever been made available to adults (aged 18 or over).

It recently was granted a five-year contract by Warrington Borough Council to continue its valuable work.

Along with a new service being introduced for children under 18, which will actively support families during the recovery process, with a primary focus on child safeguarding.

Goals include reducing offending, improving housing and employment levels, and boosting physical and mental health.

The service also aims to contribute to reductions in sexual health problems, blood-borne viruses, and domestic violence.

An emotional relaunch event was held, and was a room filled with ‘hope and inspiration’, as lived experience volunteers shared their own stories of addiction and recovery.

An award ceremony celebrated their successful treatment, and the many positives recovery has brought to their lives, from reconnecting with family members to finding steady employment.

In his opening speech, services manager Carl Roberts explained how Pathways’ recovery-focused service offers a full range of treatments and specialist interventions designed to support people in taking control of their recovery journey and achieving their goals.

These include harm reduction, opiate replacement prescribing, residential and community detoxes, counselling, emotional support, and supported access to mutual aid.

Support in accessing training, employment, and housing is also available.

Councillor Maureen McCloughlin and commissioner Cathy Fitzgerald attended the event with partners from Warrington Police, Probation, the Department of Work and Pensions, and healthcare professionals.

“It was great to see the staff so fully engaged in sharing their work, alongside the variety of service users giving testimony to their journey, and their experiences at Pathways,” said Cathy Fitzgerald. “It is always a joy to see Pathways in action and today felt so inspirational and encouraging.”