STARS Southend - Forward Trust

23/04/2026

Our fabulous staff member Emma will be running a 10k in July in the memory and inspiration of her brother.

If you are able to please click the link below and donate to help raise money for Cancer Research UK

I have been truly inspired by my brother Andy’s bravery, in fact I never understood that he was such a brave man, until I watched, how he faced into what was happening to him in recent months, finding out on 18th January that he had advanced cancer, and passing away just 9 weeks later on 9th March...

15/04/2026

Looking for a role where you can make a real difference?

STARS Southend Community Substance Misuse Service is recruiting Recovery Coordinators across our teams.
📍 Southend-on-Sea
💙 People‑centred | Recovery‑focused
👉 Apply now: https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/the-forward-trust-/drug-alcohol-recovery-coordinator/1064258?tsId=2

Know someone perfect for this? Tag or share 👇
Your Southend The Forward Trust

25/03/2026

If you want to know more about STARS Southend Forward Connect community then please reach out either here, calling us on 01702 431 889 or emailing southend.referrals@forwardtrust.org.uk

24/03/2026

Last week marked Neurodiversity Week 2026, a time to recognise and celebrate the different ways people think, learn and experience the world.

At The Forward Trust, we know that no two people are the same. Whether it’s our staff or the people accessing our services, creating environments where individuals feel understood, supported and able to thrive is incredibly important to us.

Over the past year we’ve been continuing to strengthen the support available across our organisation, from improving digital accessibility and developing internal resources, to creating spaces where colleagues can connect, share experiences and learn from one another.

We also recognise that neurodiversity can intersect with many of the challenges people face, including addiction and mental health. Taking a flexible, person-centred approach helps us adapt our support so people can engage in ways that work for them.

Read our reflection on Neurodiversity Week and how we’re continuing to build more inclusive environments across Forward: https://forwardtrust.org.uk/news/article/neurodiversity-week-2026-creating-space-for-different-ways-of-thinking

18/03/2026

“What do you do at STARS?”

If you’ve ever asked this—whether you’re thinking about referring yourself for support, or you’re a professional working with someone who needs help with their drinking or drug use—this video walks you through what to expect.

It explains the full treatment journey within community substance misuse services, from the first point of contact, right through to ongoing support and recovery.

If you’d like to make a referral, you can:
🔗 Use our online referral form:
https://forwardtrust.org.uk/service/southend-treatment-and-recovery-service-stars
📞 Call us: 01702 431 889
Phone lines open 9.30am–4.30pm
🏢 Drop in to our service during our drop‑in hours
🎥 Watch the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XzFao2NJyo

What does the service user journey look like at The Forward Trust? This new animation explainer video explains the treatment approach for our community-based...

11/03/2026

Visiting STARS Southend?

Here’s what to expect entering the building.

Our service is easy to find and welcoming from the moment you arrive. The entrance is bright, clearly signposted, and designed to feel safe and approachable for anyone taking that first step toward support. Whether you’re popping in for advice, attending a session, or just finding out more, we’re here to greet you with a friendly face and a calm space.

26/02/2026

26/02/2026

We’re Hiring Recovery Coordinators!

STARS Southend is recruiting Recovery Coordinators across our teams.

If you're passionate about supporting people through recovery and want to make a real impact in the community, we’d love to hear from you.

What we’re looking for:

Empathy and strong communication skills
A recovery‑focused, person‑centred approach
Experience in health or social care (beneficial but not essential)

What we offer:

Supportive team environment
Training and development
Rewarding, meaningful work

Apply now: https://careers.forwardtrust.org.uk/vacancies/499/drug--alcohol-recovery-coordinator--southend-on-sea.html

📅 Closing date: 18th March 2026

View details and apply for this Drug & Alcohol Recovery Coordinator - Southend-on-Sea vacancy in Southend on Sea. Do you want to make a real difference in your local community? We're looking for a motivated and compassionate Drug & Alcohol Recovery Worker to join our integrated healthcare team in So...

19/12/2025

Tips for avoiding a relapse over Christmas

Here are some practical, compassionate, holiday-specific tips to help you avoid relapse over Christmas. Adjust them to fit whether your recovery is from substances, behaviours, or patterns you're working to change.

Please note during the Christmas and new year season we are open as normal except for 25th and 26th December and 1st January.

26/11/2025

Our new Ipsos polling data reveals that over half of UK adults (53%) have either experienced addiction or know someone who has.

The findings highlight what we already know: addiction is common, but conversation isn’t. This means that many of us probably know someone close to us who isn’t able or ready to share their addiction concerns.

What can we do?

This Addiction Awareness Week (23-30 November) we are getting the nation talking about addiction.

- Join our campaign by recording your own video message of support, ‘The Conversation That Changed Everything’ for you.
- Record, post, and share your video on your socials - help inspire someone else to begin their recovery journey.
- Every recovery journey starts with one powerful moment — one conversation that can change everything.

Get involved in our campaign – and find out more about our poll - on our website: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/new-poll-highlights-widespread-impact-of-addiction-amongst-uk-adults