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. 

Image

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. 

Image

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. 

 

On 26th January, the Greater Manchester VCSE State of the Sector 2026 survey opens. 

It is an important opportunity for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) groups and organisations across Salford and Greater Manchester to explain what is happening on the ground. The findings will be used to influence public bodies, funders and commissioners, so it is vital that they understand the reality of the sector’s work, pressures and impact.

"Your work matters and we want to make sure it's seen, heard and celebrated. When you respond to this survey, you help show the real impact our sector makes. You help build evidence that demonstrates what communities need and what can be achieved. You make sure your voice – and the voices of the people you support – helps to shape decisions across Greater Manchester. The stronger our evidence, the better we can all advocate for our sector and support the case for funding and working with us." Salford CVS

Previous results

The last State of the Sector report was published in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, many organisations had to change their purpose, adapt their services and find new ways of working at speed. The 2021 report showed how COVID-19, Brexit and wider inequalities forced organisations to rethink what they did and how they did it. 

Since then, things have not become easier. The cost‑of‑living crisis has created huge pressure, with almost half of VCSE organisations nationally drawing on their financial reserves to stay afloat. Rising costs, reduced income and increased demand for help have made survival difficult for many VCSE groups and organisations. 

Vital for advocacy

In Salford, the State of the Sector survey has been vital to our advocacy at Salford CVS for investment in the VCSE sector. Since 2021, we have continued to manage our flagship Third Sector Fund on behalf of NHS GM ICB (Salford) despite ongoing NHS pressures. 

In addition, we have secured grant and programme funding to VCSE sector, examples include:

• UKSPF E6 / Salford Council / GMCA - Arts and Culture Grants
• Greater Sport – GM Moving (Walking and Wheeling grants)
• 10GM Cancer Inequalities Grants
• Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation Trust – Elevate Salford Employability programme

However, these strengths are at risk if funders and decision-makers do not have an accurate understanding of the challenges faced by VCSE groups and organisations. Many are experiencing funding cuts despite increased demand for their services, due to the lasting impacts of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis on their service users. Without proper evidence, these issues can be ignored.

Evidence

The 2026 survey will update the picture and provide evidence that can influence where investment goes and how support is offered. It will help show the value of the VCSE sector, highlight the pressures it faces, and ensure the work you do is understood and recognised.

Your input

By completing the survey, you ensure your group or organisation’s reality is included. Your knowledge and experience help build a stronger case for better support, fairer funding and more informed local decisions. Taking part is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help shape a better future for the VCSE sector in Greater Manchester.

For more information on the survey see our State of the Sector page

Any questions please contact Joe Kendal