Change Grow Live, Aspire Peterborough

20/11/2025

⚠️We've triggered the Severe Weather Emergency Provision for those rough sleeping.⚠️

Due to the predicted drop in temperatures, emergency accommodation opens today to verified rough sleepers until the morning of Saturday 22 November 2025, but will be reviewed daily.

If you're rough sleeping or have found someone rough sleeping, please call 01733 864064 (01733 864157 after 6pm).

People rough sleeping without access to a phone can go to the New Haven in Towler Street who will contact the council's Housing Needs Team for you.

Our outreach team will continue to look for and reach out to rough sleepers at various times of the day and night.

You can also let us know about rough sleepers here: https://www.streetlink.org.uk/

19/11/2025

“Red wine every night for practically 20 years had damaged my liver severely. I was in the early stages of cirrhosis and that terrified me enough to stop. It must have been when I’d injected he**in almost 20 years ago that I’d contracted hep C.

The first rounds of treatment for hep C (using the old treatment method) put me through the toughest times I’ve ever endured.

I started treatment again in 2015, but this time it was a new medication. It was different. I could sleep, I had an appetite, I could continue going to work. After six weeks, my hep C was completely cleared."

TW: This story contains descriptions of severe mental health issues, including a psychotic episode and suicidal thoughts.

Read Simon’s story:https://www.changegrowlive.org/stories/simons-hepatitis-c-story

17/11/2025

Whether you’re having a bad day, bad week or bad month - our groups are here for you. ❤️

Our groups run every Monday 7-9pm (excluding bank holidays) for any man 18+. A free, non-judgmental space to have a brew and a chat. ☕️

Visit our website to find your nearest group or drop an email to info@andysmanclub.co.uk to join our online groups.

17/11/2025

Blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis B and C, and HIV, are passed on through bodily fluids. If you have concerns that you have been exposed, the safest thing to do is be tested.

15/11/2025

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Peterborough City Council for taking the time to meet with some of our service users, listen to their lived experiences, and help share their journeys. Moments like these play a vital role in breaking down stigma, educating our community about what addiction truly is, what recovery can look like, and shining a light on the work our service delivers every single day.

A huge thank you as well to the individual who shared their story with such courage and honesty. Your bravery helps others feel seen, understood, and hopeful.

And thank you to the Council for using their platform to raise awareness and champion the importance of support, understanding, and recovery.

Read the full story here:
https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/engagement-hub/steve-how-cgl-aspire-helped-me-back-from-alcoholism

15/11/2025

Jeff was sleeping on the streets for 18 months. He has a dog, Jaymo, which he’s had for several years. Jeff struggled with drugs and despite getting off them for a bit, when he returned to Stoke-On-Trent, he soon relapsed. He was offered accommodation, but he’d have to give up Jaymo and he couldn’t bare to do that. “Some people think you’re abusing the dog by keeping it on the streets with you, but they don’t understand.” So, he decided to leave Stoke-On-Trent and took a train to Peterborough as he found a boat online. “I found one, but it was a complete shell.”

Jeff came to the Garden House at the end of June before the Peterborough City Council's Rough Sleeper Outreach team found him on his boat. The team soon found him place in a hostel that allowed dogs.

Jeff and Jaymo visited us every day to receive support with food, drink, a shower as well as access to health professionals. When Jaymo first came though, he was really nervous, but we tried to look after him as much as we could.

“Sam and Teresa [Project Workers] have been a massive help. Particularly Teresa who was the first person I had contact with at the Garden House and she’s always been concerned about me and has done what she can to help. She’s helped me with the Council Rough Sleeper Team and with my benefits.” Jeff adds “As long as you’re reasonable and don’t cause any hassle, the Project Workers will do everything they can for you.”

Jeff has now secured a place in supported accommodation with Jaymo and doesn’t come to the Garden House as much now. “I like coming to get a hot drink and seeing everyone but there’s people who need the help a lot more than me now.”

11/11/2025

Today we remember those who served & sacrificed, ensuring that no one is forgotten.

We understand that many UK Armed Forces veterans are battling substance use, mental health conditions, and facing stigma.

Here's how we're helping to support veterans:

https://changegrowlive.org/news/combatting-challenges-veterans-access-drug-alcohol-treatment

10/11/2025

🌟 Become a Volunteer and Make a Difference! 🌟

Volunteers are a vital part of our service — bringing hope, encouragement, and real inspiration to people making positive changes in their lives.

If you’re passionate about helping others and want to be part of something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you!

📧 Email: peterborough@cgl.org.uk

08/11/2025

Wow, what an incredible and inspiring person

Mick was sleeping rough for about three months after having issues with alcohol and falling out with his wife. He had also lost his job in advertising due to the problems he was having. “When I was sleeping on the streets, I had no self-dignity or self-pride.” Mick was sleeping outside a supermarket most nights and he was struggling that badly that he admits “I did try to take my own life at one point. But another homeless person told someone, and they came to take blades and medicines away from me. I’ve also been mugged whilst on the streets. To “cope” I was drinking alcohol from the moment I woke up to the moment I passed out.”

Mick got to breaking point and decided he wanted help to get his life back on track. By going to , it led to him getting onto a detox programme for two weeks. Thankfully, Mick has now got back into a better place, rebuilt the relationship with his wife, and has been off alcohol for nearly two years. “I knew I couldn’t drink again after I had finished the detox. I had hit rock bottom, and I couldn’t go back there again. I no longer have issues with alcohol, and my life is better.”

To try and occupy himself, Mick was looking for something to keep him busy. “Someone I know from WorkWell mentioned the Garden House and encouraged me to talk to Graham about an exciting opportunity. I took it with both hands.
The PA training was really good. I couldn’t have asked for a better facilitator in Graham. The sessions were fun and though-provoking. I learnt a lot!

A voluntary role suits me for the time being, but my long-term aim is to get back into full time employment. The PA programme will help me to rebuild my confidence, so I’ll be ready for the workplace.”

You've done so well Mick, keep it going! 💛

08/11/2025

🚨NEW NATIONAL DRUG AWARENESS CAMPAIGN!🚨

The government has launched a new awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of ketamine, counterfeit medicines containing deadly synthetic opioids, and 'fake' THC vapes.

⚠️ Key risks include:
• Irreparable bladder damage from ketamine use
• Deadly synthetic opioids found in fake pills bought online
• Dangerous “THC vapes” that actually contain synthetic cannabinoids like Spice

Stay informed. Share the facts. Protect yourself and others. 💙
👉 Learn more on www.talktofrank.com

30/07/2025

Women in Recovery Beach Day 🌊🩵
We came together — united in strength, support, and sisterhood — to ground ourselves, feel the sand beneath our feet, and reflect with gratitude on how far we’ve come.
Each journey is unique, but today we stood side by side, celebrating the power of connection and recovery. 💪✨