Better Together – Solihull Recovery Community is the lived experience recovery organisation (LERO) operating out of SIAS (Solihull Integrated Addiction Services), a community-based commissioned service in the West Midlands. SIAS is a partnership of organisations consisting of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Aquarius, Welcome Charity and Better Together-Solihull Recovery Community. We have evolved from what was Changes UK, a supported living housing provider in Birmingham. Changes UK entered administration in December 2023, but with the support of the other providers in the SIAS partnership and our local commissioners, Better Together-Solihull recovery community was formed.
We are a LERO that has become a vital lifeline for individuals in the Solihull area. Dedicated to helping people recover from addiction and mental health challenges, we are a community-driven initiative with an innovative approach that includes offering an extended out-of-hours service through a diverse range of activities and mutual aid programmes.
Our foundation is in lived experience. We are led by people who have walked the path of recovery themselves, making it a place where our members can find empathy, understanding and genuine support. This peer-led model fosters a sense of belonging and community that is often lacking in more traditional recovery services. By providing a platform for people who have successfully navigated recovery, we not only help individuals on their own journeys, but also empower them to give back to others who are at different stages of the process.
Recognising that recovery doesn’t follow a nine-to-five schedule, we have taken the step of offering extended out-of-hours services. By being available at times when people might feel most vulnerable, we fill a critical gap in the recovery landscape.
This extended support is provided through a wide array of activities designed to engage and empower individuals. From creative workshops and social events to mindfulness sessions and physical activities such as hiking, walks, camping trips, bowling, cinema, theatre and museums, we offer something for everyone. These activities are not just distractions – they offer individuals opportunities to rebuild their confidence, discover new passions, and foster healthy relationships.
At the heart of our approach is connection. Mutual aid groups bring together people who are going through similar experiences, allowing them to support each other through shared understanding and encouragement. These groups often operate outside of traditional medical models, focusing instead on personal connection and community-based support.
We hold local mutual aid meetings which offer a safe space for individuals to share their stories, celebrate successes, and work through challenges. The peer-to-peer format empowers participants to take control of their recovery and helps them build lasting relationships that can be pivotal in maintaining long-term sobriety.
Our aim is not to be just about individual recovery – it’s about building a recovery-focused community. We’re trying to create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or the challenges they face. This sense of community helps to reduce the stigma often associated with addiction and mental health issues, creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Through our combination of lived experience, extended out-of-hours support, and mutual aid, we’re hoping to make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. We’re aiming to become a beacon of hope for individuals seeking recovery and a powerful example of how peer-led, community-based initiatives can create lasting change.
As we continue to grow, we’re committed to expanding our services and reaching even more people in need. By offering extended support, fostering mutual aid, and championing the power of lived experience.
Nicky Dwyer is service manager at Better Together
