UK’s biggest charity merger promises a Waythrough for people dealing with drug and alcohol, mental health and housing challenges

Waythrough, which launched 1 October, combines the expertise and resources of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship, two national charities that share values, ambitions and decades of experience supporting people with substance use, mental health, housing and associated needs.

Waythrough

The charity’s vision is ‘to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value’ by offering a single point of access for mental health, alcohol and substance use and homelessness services. 

Jacob, who was supported by Richmond Fellowship, became a volunteer and then joined Waythrough’s Heart and Soul group, representing people with lived experience during the merger process, said, ‘Like many others, there have been points in my life where I’ve had mental health and substance use needs at the same time. I have always been baffled by the way these issues are siloed and addressed separately, and that one can pose a barrier to accessing care for the other.

‘Mental health and substance use needs are inextricable, and I hope that the coming together of Richmond Fellowship and Humankind will, in time, lead to innovative service models that support the delivery of person-centred care.’

Ruth, who was formally supported by Humankind and is now a volunteer and member of the Heart and Soul group, added, ‘After living in a state of crisis and being admitted to hospital with liver failure, I went on a three-month Relapse Prevention programme with Humankind. I’m now hitting my 15th month of full sobriety and continue to rebuild my life.

‘I’ve battled with anxiety and depression all my life and have managed to find my way to therapy now, but I have no doubt that an integrated charity would have been better placed to help me access the help I needed faster and with far fewer barriers.

‘What matters to me and the Heart and Soul group is that Waythrough sticks to its promise – something we helped create:

Wherever you are now, we won’t judge or write you off
We’ll help you work out who you want to be and where you want to go
We’ll stick with you until you’re ready to move on.’

Introducing the new charity, Waythrough CEO Paul Townsley stated, ‘For many years it’s been clear that addressing drug and alcohol, housing and mental health support as separate issues ignores the reality and complexity of peoples’ lives, and that a holistic approach is needed. This is why I’m excited about the launch of Waythrough and our ambitions for the future.

‘Today marks a huge step in our journey, and although it’s going to take time, I’m confident that – by working with our partners – we will have the experience, capabilities and determination we need to make our vision a reality.’

This blog was originally published by Waythrough. You can read the original post here.


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