The Scrutiny Review Panel on Alcohol Use convened to discuss the effectiveness of treatment services in Stockport. The meeting featured a detailed Lived Experience Session where individuals shared their personal journeys and insights into the Stockport Drug and Alcohol Service, highlighting the crucial role of peer support and lived experience in recovery. The panel also reviewed the Scrutiny Review Procedure Rules and the Scoping Report for their review.

Lived Experience Session

The panel heard compelling accounts from individuals who have accessed Stockport's drug and alcohol treatment services. These personal testimonies underscored the transformative impact of the Stockport Drug and Alcohol Service, which is a partnership between Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, ACORN Recovery Projects, and Intuitive Thinking Skills.

Embedding Lived Experience in Service Design and Delivery: Alison Lee, Behaviour Change Lead for Stockport's Public Health Team, explained that a key element of the 2021 tender for drug and alcohol treatment services was the embedding of lived experience. This approach was informed by national research, including Dame Carol Black's 2021 review, which highlighted the crucial role of individuals with lived experience in driving meaningful change within services. The Stockport Drug and Alcohol Service, known as Estas, was awarded the contract and works in partnership with ACORN Recovery Projects and Intuitive Thinking Skills.

Liz McCoy, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust's lead for addictions, elaborated on how lived experience is integrated into the service. Pennine Care Care manages the clinical and treatment aspects, while ACORN Recovery Projects and Intuitive Thinking Skills lead on early intervention and recovery services. Matt, representing Intuitive Thinking Skills, described their skills-based, peer-led approach, which focuses on education and building resilience through accredited courses. He emphasised the organisation's commitment to fostering independence and helping individuals develop their own skill sets to improve their lives.

Amanda Tang, Action Editor for the Stockport Drug and Alcohol Team, highlighted ACORN Recovery Projects' role in providing therapeutic support, a local day rehab, and additional user-led services. She explained that the integrated approach means individuals can access all aspects of the service without having to choose, with a single clinical record facilitating a seamless journey.

Ambassador Programme and Community Engagement: The panel heard about the Ambassador Programme, which identifies individuals who wish to develop their skills and engage in volunteering or community projects. Sue, an ambassador, shared how her sewing project in the community, while not exclusively for those with alcohol problems, has become a space where people feel comfortable approaching her with personal issues due to her background. This demonstrates how lived experience can facilitate organic conversations and signposting to services.

John, who has been abstinent for four years, shared his journey from being in rehab to becoming a group facilitator and assisting with the ambassador course. He spoke about the extensive support available in Stockport, noting that many individuals relocate to the borough for its comprehensive aftercare services. He also highlighted the importance of accessible support, mentioning his work assisting individuals with reading and writing difficulties to engage with the ambassador programme.

Les, who has been abstinent for two and a half years, described his journey from heavy drinking to actively contributing to the community through volunteering at SurTech House, facilitating a men's support group, and running a Chill and Chat group. He emphasised the importance of having a purpose and a reason to get up in the morning, finding immense satisfaction in helping others.

Kaz, who is 16 months free from cocaine use, shared her experience of accessing private rehabilitation which lacked post-treatment support, leading her to seek help from Stockport's services. She now runs a Chill and Chat group and facilitates prevention sessions, finding renewed purpose and a sense of usefulness. She stressed the importance of asking for help and the availability of numerous free activities in Stockport.

Addressing Gaps and Improving Services: The discussion also touched upon identifying and addressing gaps in services. It was noted that traditional drug services can sometimes be intimidating, particularly for middle-aged women. The introduction of Les with his tea trolley at SurTech House was cited as an example of how a welcoming presence can make services more accessible. The panel also heard about the development of an online group for ketamine users, acknowledging their specific needs and difficulties in attending traditional services. Furthermore, the importance of addressing literacy issues as a barrier to accessing services was highlighted, with efforts underway to provide support for individuals with compromised literacy and numeracy skills.

The collaborative approach of Stockport's services was praised, with speakers noting that it is more integrated and less siloed than in other areas. The Making it Real board, established by the Director of Adult Social Care, was mentioned as a mechanism for individuals using services to provide feedback and influence service improvements.

Challenges and Recommendations: Key challenges identified included the persistent stigma surrounding substance misuse, the soft barriers to accessing services, and external factors such as the cost of living and service constraints. Housing was also mentioned as a significant barrier, although Stockport's housing providers were noted as being helpful.

The panel was asked to consider the biggest challenges and barriers to access when formulating recommendations. The overwhelming sentiment from the lived experience speakers was the profound positive impact of the Stockport Drug and Alcohol Service, with many stating they would not be where they are today without it. The collaborative nature of the services and the genuine involvement of people with lived experience were highlighted as key strengths that set Stockport apart.

Scrutiny Review Procedure Rules and Scoping Report

The panel considered the Scrutiny Review Procedure Rules, which outline the operational framework for the panel's work. They also considered the Scoping Report for the Alcohol Use: The Effectiveness of Treatment review, which details the aims, objectives, and methodology for the scrutiny process. The report identified that Stockport has higher rates of alcohol-specific mortality and alcohol-related hospital admissions compared to the national average, making alcohol-related harm a priority for the Stockport Locality's Provider Partnership. The review aims to explore the effectiveness, accessibility, and equity of alcohol treatment services in Stockport and identify opportunities for improvement.

The next meeting of the Scrutiny Review Panel is scheduled for Monday, 1 December 2025.