BAC O'Connor Centres

07/04/2026

Today is World Health Day — a reminder that health isn’t just physical, it’s mental and emotional too 💙

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug use, you’re not alone. Support is out there, and reaching out can be the first step toward feeling better.

Whether it’s speaking to a professional, connecting with a support group, or simply opening up to someone you trust — help is available, and recovery is possible. Support is also available for family and loved ones affected by someone else's drink or drug use.

👉 If you need support, don’t wait. Reach out today.

STaRS - Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery System
We Are With You
Stoke CDAS

02/04/2026

We want to say such a big thank you to Burton Albion Community Trust for their wonderful Easter gift of chocolate eggs for all of our residents.

At the BAC we always celebrate Easter with our residents with a egg hunt on Easter Sunday and this donation has played a big part in making this another lovely day for all.

We value our partnership working with Burton Albion and they have always been a great supporter of our service and the people we support.

01/04/2026

Supporting Kevin Woodhouse on an incredible journey!

Kevin Woodhouse, who works across Staffordshire County Counciland the STaRS - Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery System Inclusion Team, is currently taking on an extraordinary challenge — the Annapurna Circuit Trek in the Himalayas.

Take a look at some of the incredible views and moments from his journey so far.

Kevin is trekking one of the world’s greatest long-distance routes, aiming to reach the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. He’s already underway and battling the effects of altitude sickness, showing real determination and resilience.

This challenge is about more than the trek. Kevin is raising funds to support three incredible organisations transforming lives across Staffordshire:
- The O'Connor Gateway Trust
- Better Way Recovery
- Chase Recovery

💙 100% of funds raised will be shared equally between these three vital services.

If you can, please support Kevin and help make a difference:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/kevin-woodhouse-1

Let’s get behind him as he continues this incredible journey

26/03/2026

Owen will be taking on the Manchester Marathon on the 19th April and is raising funds for The O'Connor Gateway Trust 🌟

If you can get behind Owen and help him to raise as much as possible, you'll not only be keeping him motivated as he tackles 26.2 miles on the day, you'll be helping the Trust to support more people affected by drug and alcohol dependency to move forward in recovery.

A like and a share goes a long way too 🙏🏻

Help Owen Matthews raise money to support The O'Connor Gateway Trust

25/03/2026

Don't miss this fantastic celebration of resilience, hope and renewal through art!

This coming Sunday and Monday, at Langan's Tea Rooms 10am-4pm.

Please share far and wide 🌟

23/03/2026

A huge well done to Sam Timmis for completing the Rome Marathon on Sunday!

Not only is finishing a marathon an incredible achievement that takes months of dedication, training, and commitment, but Sam has also raised a fantastic £1,232 for The O'Connor Gateway Trust 👏
There’s still time to show your support and help boost this amazing total even further – please consider sponsoring Sam using the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sam-timmis-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&fbclid=IwY2xjawQuTh5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeUtOFutVsgC14vuqp7XbeB5CLXNEIaXL8i0IyYaFLBMdrYVCjeDRPOiPRqkY_aem_ovj14i0mXCySqvtBTF-CXg

Thank you, Sam, for your hard work and for supporting such a great cause! 💙

21/03/2026

20/03/2026

Our very own Lisa doing great work in Stoke with Wendi and others at CDAS where we work in partnership with WithYou 🏳️‍🌈🌟

Meet Lisa, Group Work Facilitator at Stoke CDAS* 👋

Together with volunteer, Wendi, she played a key role in setting up the LGBTQ+ Safe Space. Working in collaboration with clients and staff, they’ve created a welcoming space where people who identify as LGBTQ+, those exploring their identity, and allies can feel safe, heard and supported.

At their first meeting at the end of January, founding members, including Lisa, came together to talk about the importance of inclusivity, representation and creating a space where everyone feels they belong.

Lisa says:

"We decided to create the LGBTQ+ Safe Space because there aren't many places where people can talk about substance use alongside sexuality and identity. Having a safe space where people can be themselves felt like a really important addition to the groups we run.”

Wendi says:

“Recovery isn’t just about stopping substances - it can be about reclaiming who you are. In this space, we can start to heal not only from substance use but also from the silence we were once told to keep. Here we can be honest about who we are, and feel proud and free."

*CDAS (Community Drug and Alcohol Service) in Stoke-on-Trent is commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and delivered in partnership by WithYou and BAC O'Connor Centres.

20/03/2026

Happy Eid to everyone celebrating today ❤️

20/03/2026

🎬 RECOVERY STREET FILM FESTIVAL 2026 - YOUR RECOVERY COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU! 🎬

BAC O’Connor is inviting our graduated peers to get involved in creating this year’s entry for the Recovery Street Film Festival – and we’d love for you to be part of it!

The festival is a national event that shines a light on the real experiences of people affected by alcohol and other drug use – celebrating honesty, resilience, connection and hope. 💛

This is your chance to help create a film shaped by your voices.

You can get involved in:
✨ Creative ideas & writing
🎥 Filming & sound
🎭 Acting or voice work
💻 Editing & production
🤝 Supporting roles behind the scenes

No experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to be part of something meaningful.

📞 To get involved, ring BAC Reception and put your name down.

Whether you’re confident on camera or prefer working quietly in the background, there’s a role for you.

Let’s tell our story together. 💬🎞️

17/03/2026

What an incredible and memorable day at the Houses of Parliament!

On Monday 9th March, a group of our clients, volunteers and staff had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament for a guided tour, kindly arranged by Jacob Collier MP.

The day gave everyone the chance to step into one of the most iconic and historic buildings in the country, learn more about how Parliament works, and gain a deeper understanding of the decision making that shapes our communities.

It was not only educational but also a really positive experience for connection, with people spending time together outside of the usual recovery setting.

Moments like this matter. They help build confidence, create new experiences, and remind people of the opportunities that are out there. For many, it was a day they will not forget.

A huge thank you to Jacob for making this possible and for the warm welcome from him and his team. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support shown to our community. 🙌

Kendra Gray Donna Meredith-Wood

12/03/2026

Last Thursday our CEO, Kendra Gray and our Operations Director, Donna Meredith-Wood were delighted to attend the Choices Rehabs meeting in the House of Lords.

The shared passion, wisdom and innovation in the meeting was inspiring and we are committed to continuing to work together to advocate for equitable access to residential treatment for those who need it across the UK.

Last week it was a privilege for the Choices Rehabs team to attend a meeting at the House of Lords with Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe as our guest.

Important discussions covered the changing funding landscape, access to insurance frameworks, the growing challenges around ketamine use in the UK, and the potential role of AI in strengthening healthcare provision and treatment outcomes.

Bringing together professionals committed to improving lives and strengthening the voice of the UK residential rehab sector is always incredibly valuable.

Thank you to Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe for his continued support and insight.

https://choicesrehabs.com