The launch of our 2024 annual report is a time to reflect and to acknowledge our achievements despite the significant challenges the country has faced – from the cost-of-living crisis and the growing pressure on health and social care services, to changing patterns in drug use and the emerging risk from synthetic substances.
We’ve anticipated and adapted to this new environment by looking at the way Change Grow Live operates. We’re seeing more people, in more complex circumstances, approaching our services, and we have continued to deliver the best possible care for everyone seeking our support.
As the new Government takes office, it’s crucial to recognise the commitment of the National Drug Strategy and the importance of continued investment so that we, as a sector, can continue to provide the transformative, evidence-based care that individuals, communities and society deserve.
The strategy has been critical in enabling us to adapt, grow and respond to people’s needs in the best possible way. Our annual report highlights how we’ve achieved this.
Our key highlights from the past year
Criminal justice
More people than ever before now receive continuity of care, which reduces the risk of relapse, harm and overdose, and supports our goal of helping people to improve their lives.
As part of the National Drug Strategy, we have strengthened the pathways between prison and the community, and deepened our relationships with the Police, the Probation and Prison Services and the Courts. In March 2024, almost half of those leaving prison started treatment following release, up from less than a third in 2023.
“My key worker was awesome. You feel surprised how much you forget … he helped me set up my bank account and helped me learn to budget again and use technology, as so much had changed.” – User of Change Grow Live’s service
Read more about our criminal justice work.
Hepatitis C
NHS England aims to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2025 – and at Change Grow Live, we have embraced this challenge.
The benefits of curing a person’s hepatitis C are profound. Most people we support who have the virus are substance users, with many also experiencing homelessness. Improving their health can be life-changing.
In the reporting period, we tested 37,870 people in structured treatment; the incidence rate of 3.6% was down significantly from 6% in 2023. Furthermore, nine services and four hubs declared micro-elimination.
Read more about our work to eliminate hepatitis C.
Children and young people
Another area of significant accomplishment this year has been our work with children and young people. There was a 28% increase in under 18s accessing treatment through our services compared with last year, and thanks to our many local partnerships, we are now working with a total of 3,947 children and young people in treatment.
“I didn’t know what I needed until I came here. You helped me understand what I want from my life and helped clear the path so I can be that person. I will remember you forever.” – Young person, aged 15
Of course, we can’t do this alone. Last year, we provided drug and alcohol awareness training to 9,019 professionals working with children and young people, helping to ensure the long-term benefits of our intervention.
Read more about our work with children and young people.
The rise of synthetic opioids
Following a sudden increase in fatalities caused by nitazenes in Birmingham, our service coordinated a rapid response to help prevent further spikes. This was directly enabled by funding from the National Drug Strategy.
We briefed all staff and partners in the service; sent out alerts and a public health message; prioritised clinical interventions for people using opiates; provided additional naloxone supplies; delivered training to West Midlands Police; and coordinated with pharmacists and GPs, among others.
“We observed an immediate impact when a person who uses our services brought in a prepared heroin syringe concerned about its appearance and smell. They had seen the drug alerts and decided not to use it. The syringe was tested and confirmed to contain nitazines.”
We also handed out 37,615 naloxone kits across the country – an intervention which we know saves lives.
Read more about our response to nitazenes.
Homelessness
Our outreach teams engaged with 1,588 people across the year. Change Grow Live’s personalised approach employs many different methods, to ensure we treat each one of these people as individuals.
In Brighton, for example, our specialist worker mediates tenancy disputes. In Camden, a staff member supports legal asylum seekers as they transition from temporary homes. Our teams often go onto the streets alongside different partners to provide the best care possible. This could be the hospice in Leeds that provides support and end-of-life care, or the vets that encourage engagement with rough-sleeping dog owners across the country. To connect on a personal level, our volunteers with lived experience are invaluable.
“In the early hours, Aldona, an outreach worker introduces herself in Polish, the group’s native language, immediately fostering a sense of trust and connection. Slowly, one person comes forward, followed by more, and the cycle of support begins.”
Read more about our outreach work with people experiencing homelessness.
Believing in our people
Our dedicated team members, volunteers and peer mentors have made these results possible. Without them, and continued funding from the National Drug Strategy, these services could not exist.
To the people who use our services: we remain here for you. The strength and resilience you show motivates us daily, and you continue to inspire us to believe in people.
Read more about our work in Change Grow Live’s 2024 digital annual report.