A Liverpool woman who said she was “lucky not to end up in prison” has turned her life around as part of a trial to help people break the cycle of drug and alcohol issues.
As part of the UK Government’s drug strategy, Liverpool is one of three areas to be selected for intensive supervision courts (ISCs). The facility is established in partnership with With You - a drug, alcohol and mental health support charity - Ministry of Justice, Merseyside Police, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and other not for profit organisations.
Under the ISC, those in Liverpool with an identified drug or alcohol issue which has contributed to their criminal conviction, as well as a tougher community sentence, will receive enhanced recovery support from With You and a number of other healthcare, housing and educational services.
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Among those assisted was Anna, who has been working alongside a recovery official and the probation office for the last six months. She said: “I’ve experienced a lot of traumas in my life.
“I didn’t realise it at the time, but that pain took me to drink and drugs, and that then caused even more trauma. I would get in trouble a lot with the police, and to be honest, I’m lucky I didn’t end up in prison.
“By the time I was brought to the Probation Office, I was ready to change. It’s been a long journey and a lot of work, but I have a really friendly team supporting me – they’ve helped with my alcohol and drug issues, got me counselling, and even helped me to get onto education courses.
“They’re all amazing and they don’t judge me, and that goes a long way.
“I know that I probably shouldn't be here with the things I've done and the things I’ve experienced, but I'm so grateful that I've been given a chance to help myself, and hopefully one day, I’ll be able to help others too.”
Alongside recovery support, those in the ISCs will receive intensive supervision, which includes seeing the same judge at least once a month, working closely with the Probation Service, and needing to take regular drug tests to ensure compliance with their court order. Sarah Humphreys, Head of Services - at With You Liverpool said: “With You currently supports 2,000 people across Liverpool with drug, alcohol and mental health issues, so we have a great deal of experience in providing tailored support to local people to aid their recovery.
“We work with people on their long-term goals, helping them to put steps in place that enable them to live a healthier life. This doesn’t just mean addressing their drug or alcohol issues - it may also include supporting them to reconnect with their family and friends, learning about relapse prevention, and helping them to build their self-esteem.
“While a core ambition of the ISC is to improve compliance with court orders, reduce reoffending, and better support rehabilitation, we also hope that the ISC will empower people to build a future with more hope and opportunity.”
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