How Recovery Works helps people rebuild their lives

• Recovery Works offers one-to-one support to people recovering from alcohol and drug dependency and other complex issues. 
• Through Individual Placement and Support (IPS), the service helps people build confidence, develop skills, and pursue meaningful employment.
• Barry's and Mike's stories show how the right support and access to employment opportunities can contribute to long-term recovery.

Recovery Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognise the achievements of people in recovery and raise awareness of the support available to those taking steps to change their lives for the better.

For people supported by the Growth Company's Recovery Works programme, recovery can involve much more than addressing substance use. It can also mean rebuilding confidence, improving physical and mental wellbeing, reconnecting with family, finding purpose, and creating opportunities for the future.

Recovery Works provides personalised support that reflects each person's circumstances and goals. Its Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service helps people who are receiving treatment for drug and alcohol use to pursue paid work alongside their recovery.

Barry and Mike's experiences show what this support can look like in practice.

Barry's story: a chance to prove himself

After leaving prison following a seven-year sentence, Barry faced several barriers as he worked to rebuild his life. He was experiencing addiction issues, anxiety and depression, financial difficulties, unemployment, and strained family relationships. He was also living in approved accommodation.

Barry wanted to move forward, but he needed practical support to help him overcome these challenges.

Through Recovery Works, Barry received one-to-one support based on his goals. This included developing an employment plan, creating a CV, accessing benefits advice, securing funding for training, and engaging with employers.

Barry went on to gain qualifications in Asbestos Awareness and Railway Engineering, alongside CSCS Card training.

The Recovery Works team then arranged a work trial with an employer, giving Barry an opportunity to demonstrate what he could do. Barry said this trial gave him the chance to prove himself, which he wouldn't have got otherwise. 

Barry is now in full-time employment. He is substance-free, accessing mental health support, and living with his family again. He is also an active father to his four children, complying with his licence conditions, and looking towards the future.

Mike's story: building confidence one step at a time

Mike began his recovery journey in late 2025 when he entered treatment to address long-term alcohol use. He was experiencing a range of related problems, too, from anxiety and low confidence to money troubles and a prolonged period out of work. 

After previously finding it difficult to engage with support services, Mike was referred to the Recovery Works team.

They tailored their approach to Mike's situation. At first, support was provided over the phone because face-to-face meetings were difficult for him. As Mike became more comfortable with the service, he was able to engage more fully with the support available.

From there, Recovery Works supported Mike to improve his mental health and wellbeing and access financial support to reduce some of the pressures he was facing. The team also worked alongside his Recovery Coordinator and Jobcentre Work Coach to provide enhanced, sympathetic support. When Mike felt ready to look for work, he received employment advice and advocacy, helping him search for suitable roles, complete applications, and prepare for interviews.

He went on to secure the job he wanted as a Royal Mail postal worker and continues to enjoy the benefits of IPS support while in work.

Reflecting on his experience, Mike said: “Without the support of IPS, I wouldn't have been able to get to where I am now. I got the job I wanted and am very satisfied with the programme. It's good to know I still have IPS support available when I'm working.”

Supporting recovery through employment

Every recovery journey is different. For some people, finding the right employment can be an important part of moving forward in their lives. 

Work can provide income and structure, while also offering opportunities to develop skills and build meaningful relationships. Recovery Works combines employment support with wider recovery services so that people can work towards goals that reflect their personal circumstances.

Barry and Mike's experiences show the importance of meeting people where they are. They also demonstrate the role employers can play by recognising people's potential and creating opportunities for them.

Find out more about Recovery Works

If you or someone you know could benefit from support with recovery, wellbeing, or employment, Recovery Works can help.

Find out more about Recovery Works and the support available.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Learn more about the health and wellbeing support that we deliver.