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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 19h

Thanks to Ryan, Kane, Stephen, Beth, and colleagues from both Outreach and SP Navigator teams for facilitating the visit and representing the Complex Lives Alliance partnership 🙌

Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 19h

Following the visit, we received some fantastic feedback from Damian:

“Seeing the professional commitment and passion channelled through a values-led, citizen-centric approach was humbling… The phrase ‘It’s the small Ws (wins)’ really stuck with us.”

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 19h

Damian joined the our City Centre Outreach team, while Mark observed work across the wider borough. The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with frontline staff and gain insight into the operational challenges and approaches used in helping those we support.

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 19h

Recently one of our Changing Lives teams in Doncaster welcomed Damian Allan, Chief Executive of Doncaster City Council, and Mark Smith, Visiting Professor of Public Service Innovation at Manchester Metropolitan University, during scheduled welfare walkabouts.

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 14d

In Walsall we work closely with our partners providing drop-in sessions and multi-agency outreach sessions. We are part of the drug alert team with Walsall Public Health and share information around current trends and dangers. The power of partnerships to reduce harm 🤝

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 14d

All of the team are trained on drug addiction and how to administer Naloxone in the event of someone overdosing. We always carry Naloxone kits as a safeguarding measure and have stock of drug testing strips so that the people we support can identify synthetic drugs.

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 14d

The increasing rise of synthetic opioids, such as Nitazene and Fentanyl, in the local area was discussed and the dangers that these bring. These synthetic drugs are significantly stronger than heroin which presents a significantly increased risk of overdose ❗

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 14d

Last week, one of our Changing Lives teams that provide support services to women who are being sexually exploited & involved in sex work or survival sex in the Midlands attended a conference held by Public Health on Preventing drug related deaths in Walsall.

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 19d

It's not about just a place to stay, it's about delivering services that set young people up to thrive with more autonomy.

#YouthMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAwareness

Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 19d

This provides a gradual transition towards independence. A phased approach like this helps young people move from high-support environments to more independent settings, reducing the “cliff-edge” effect often felt by care leavers.

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 19d

During their time with us, our young people work with our support workers to build essential skills for independent living, such as budgeting, cooking, managing appointments, navigating relationships and conflict resolution.

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 19d

At Changing Lives, we provide a range of supported accommodation services for young people aged 16-25, offering safe, stable housing alongside tailored support services 🏠

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 21d

Be sure to head along to their Eldon Scare Trail and you'll be helping to support the work of Changing Lives across Newcastle supporting those facing the challenges of homelessness in our region 💜

You can check out all their events here:

Eldon Scare Family Halloween Events - Eldon Square Ltd

From our thrilling Eldon Scare Trail to a full week of free activities, there’s something for every young adventurer. Book your ticket today.

bit.ly

Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 21d

Alice our Senior Fundraiser was recently at the Community Space in Eldon Square who have some spooktacular fun for the family coming up this Halloween 👻

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 23d

Sound good? Apply before the deadline on the 26th September here: bit.ly/42w7fpk

Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 23d

Nationally we have over 600 passionate colleagues from Northumberland to London working to change the lives of those we support.

You'll be joining a brilliant group of Trustee's and this is a fantastic and rare opportunity for the right individual to help us develop, grow and change more lives.

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 23d

We're still seeking a Trustee (Treasurer) with financial expertise to guide us in managing our resources effectively and contributing to our strategic direction here at Changing Lives.

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 23d

Then on Saturday we joined thousands of people for the Recovery Walk, an afternoon of activities, mutual aid meetings, art exhibitions and live workshops. We held a stall at the Recovery Village and got the chance to speak to lots of people about recovery and the services we provide 🙌

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 23d

We attended the Faces and Voices of Recovery Conference on Friday held at the Molineux Stadium, where we heard speakers from local services, academics working in the sector, local experts by experience, and a keynote presentation from Dr Ed Day, the national Recovery Champion!

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 23d

Our teams attended the Recovery Walk 2025!

This years walk was held in Wolverhampton, home to a number of our Changing Lives services supporting women 💜

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 28d

It was a powerful demonstration of the fantastic work that is taking place in Northallerton and the surrounding areas, and and important reminder that recovery is possible! #RecoveryMonth #RecoveryMonth2025

Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 28d

Organised by the team at The Sober Bus, there were a number of organisations in attendance including Alcohol Change UK, UK SMART Recovery, Hambleton Community Action, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Healthwatch North Yorkshire and North Yorkshire Connected Spaces 🤝

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · 28d

Over the weekend, the Changing Lives Aftercare team — alongside other colleagues from the Northallerton hub — attended The Yorkshire Sober Social Afternoon Tea Party! 🫖

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Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · Sep 5

Finally, the strategy must address the root causes such as poverty, addiction, homelessness, and insecure immigration status.

Read the full response here ➡️ bit.ly/462regs

Changing Lives @changinglivesuk.bsky.social · Sep 5

It must also improve how data is collected and ensure that ASE is properly recognised across services. Specialist support services should be funded to meet the needs of survivors, and frontline professionals must be trained to spot the signs of exploitation.

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