The Achieve Recovery Programme began in 2021, supporting people across Bolton, Salford and Trafford to overcome practical barriers to their recovery. From 2024 onwards, the grant only supported clients in Salford and Trafford. This funding has helped clients in many ways, such as providing laptops and mobile phones so they could attend courses, clinics and appointments. Some clients received gym passes to help them stay active and away from substance misuse. Others received household items like cookers, washing machines and fridge-freezers, so they could start healthier lifestyles. Many were also supported to improve their home environment with carpets and new furniture.
These are the usual types of support Achieve clients have received. But some people go much further and make huge changes in their lives because of this support. ND is a perfect example. Her journey inspires anyone in recovery to keep moving forward with confidence and determination. As the Achieve Recovery Fund ends in Salford and Trafford March 2026, her story reminds us why this service is still urgently needed.
A difficult beginning
ND referred herself to Achieve in January 2024 with hope, fear and desperation. She had used cocaine and cannabis for many years and struggled with long-term depression. She was also deeply upset because she had lost recent contact with her two young children, aged 4 and 7. She was anxious about treatment at first and felt she needed residential rehab. Even though she agreed to start with community support, her attendance was uneven in the early months, which is understandable given her situation.
A strong determination
But ND knew that something needed to change. She wanted to become a healthy and present mother again. This strong motivation led her into a journey of courage, persistence and personal growth. Achieve Recovery supported her every step of the way.
Finding a way forward
By late 2024, ND was attending Achieve’s in-house groups and taking part in regular one-to-one sessions. Staff also helped her work towards a place in residential rehab. She started going to evening mutual aid groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous, where she found understanding and support.
In March 2025, she was assessed at Acorn Rehabilitation in Stockport. It was the right place for her. She was offered a place, admitted on 30 June 2025, and completed the programme on 24 September 2025. When she returned home, she continued her recovery with even more determination.
A life transformed
Wanting to keep building her confidence and skills, ND attended several courses run by Intuitive Thinking Skills Ltd, a partner of Achieve Recovery. She completed a 5‑day introductory course, followed by the Skills to Life programme and ambassador training in Salford. She also took part in Achieve’s relapse prevention course, attended aftercare groups, and continued going to mutual aid groups in the evenings. Between September and October 2025, she received travel passes from Salford CVS so she could attend these sessions.
She later joined Achieve’s Trauma Addiction Skills course and began volunteering with the Mustard Tree in Manchester. Over recent months, she has been shadowing Intuitive Thinking Skills staff in their sessions. According to her Achieve Recovery Coordinator, Tim, ND is now over six months clean and sober and is almost unrecognisable from when she started. Her mental health has improved greatly. Her confidence has grown, and she now feels hopeful and purposeful. Most importantly, she is reconnecting with her children. Tim also shared that she said last Christmas was her best in many years because she enjoyed precious time with them. ND now dreams of working in adult services one day.
ND’s journey shows that Achieve does more than support recovery; it helps rebuild whole lives. Her story proves why services like Achieve must continue. What she achieved should not be rare. Many others still need the same level of support, kindness and structure. Recovery is truly possible, but only when programmes like Achieve remain available to those brave enough to take the first step.