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Change Grow Live

@changegrowlive.bsky.social
126 followers 126 following 60 posts

As a national health and social care charity, we support people with challenges including drugs and alcohol, housing, justice, employment, and smoking. Our support is free and confidential 💜

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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
The Government has today published the renewed Women’s Health Strategy. The Strategy is a welcome step forward but the most vulnerable continue to be at risk of being left behind. Our Deputy Chief Executive, Nic Adamson, shares her response: www.changegrowlive.org/news/womens-...
changegrowlive.org
Women's Health Strategy: a welcome step forward | Change Grow Live
The Government has today published the renewed Women’s Health Strategy, which sets out a much-needed approach to improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities for women.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Holly overcame a dependency on alcohol after being told she had just six months to live 💜 Now, she uses her experience at our Sefton service, based in Merseyside, where she supports others on their recovery journeys. Read her powerful story on @itvnews.bsky.social: www.itv.com/news/2026-04...
itv.com
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Detox is a critical moment in someone's treatment journey. It should be easy to access, but navigating an extensive number of choices with different referral routes, criteria & waiting times can be overwhelming. Read about our new collaborative detox model: changegrowlive.org/news/putting...
Putting people first: A new, collaborative model for detox in London
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Carolyn provides support in our service based in Gateshead and we're proud to see her incredible journey highlighted in @chroniclelive.co.uk 🌟
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Our Gateshead service hosted a Women’s Health Hub on Tuesday, bringing a range of health services under one roof to improve access & reduce barriers for women. Watch the BBC Look North report (skip to 5:28) & meet some of the fantastic women who use the services: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
The team at our Gateshead serviceDame Lesley Regan meeting people within the Gateshead serviceA group of women standing and talking as part of Women's Health DaySean Fenwick, Dame Lesley Regan and Nic Adamson
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
This Transgender Day of Visibility we want to celebrate our Trans & Non-Binary Forum & LGBTQ+ Forum who help support trans staff in our organisation. “The trans and non-binary forum is the safe space where I can be authentically myself & feel supported & understood.” - Kat, forum member.
The trans and non-binary forum is the safe space where I can be authentically myself and feel supported and understood." written on a dark blue background with giant orange speech mark in the top left corner
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Our 2025 pay gap report includes our disability pay gap for the first time. This is an important step to understanding & addressing the barriers faced by some of our colleagues. We remain committed to making every colleague feel valued, supported & fairly rewarded: indd.adobe.com/view/201957a...
Laptop screen showing a 2025 Pay Gap Report on gender, ethnicity, and disability with a woman in a yellow top.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
‘Transparency builds trust. Not perfection.’ We’ve committed to showing our work as it happens & problems as we’re solving them. Russell Booth, our Head of Strategic Comms & External Affairs, writes about our fresh approach in March’s @ddnmagazine.bsky.social: viewer.joomag.com/ddn-march26-...
viewer.joomag.com
DDN_March26 March 2026 | Page 18
Trauma isn’t incidental - it’s the central thread Our spotlight on women’s treatment in this issue makes it uncomfortably clear that women’s needs are being recognised too late. Whether we’re talking ...
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Reposted by Change Grow Live
Society for the Study of Addiction @addiction-ssa.org · 09/03/2026
For #InternationalWomensDay, we are sharing our latest blog from Nic Adamson, Deputy Chief Executive at @changegrowlive.bsky.social and Chair of the Women’s Treatment Working Group tinyurl.com/5n6vcf8w
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
This year's Managing Addictions in Primary Care conference celebrated 30 years of bringing together substance use services & primary care. Clinicians, people with lived experience & partners across health & substance use services reflected on progress & how support can continue to be strengthened 🤝
A man stands beside a River organization booth offering support for drug and alcohol struggles, with informational materials displayed on a teal tablecloth.Display board showcasing a 30-year celebration with various charts, photos, and informational documents about organizational goals from 2021 to 2026.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
People seeking work are often reluctant to talk about their issues with substances & job centres don’t always have the framework to help them access the support they need. Our DWP Peer Mentoring Service is a life-changing initiative bridging this gap: www.changegrowlive.org/news/dwp-pee...
The DWP peer mentoring pilot transforming lives
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
For International Women’s Day we want to highlight the pioneering IRIS Project run by our River service in Liverpool, meeting women where they are. Read more about the inspiring service supporting some of Liverpool’s most marginalised women: #GiveToGain #IWD2026
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Our Head of Strategic Comms & External Affairs, Russell Booth, will be speaking about reframing reputation as part of the @charitycomms.bsky.social Strategic Communicators’ Conference. Join for a day of ideas, discussion & inspiration 💭 📅 Thurs 12th March www.charitycomms.org.uk/events/leadi...
Strategic Communicators' Conference 2026. Reframing reputation for comms leaders event talk at 11:25-11:55 by Russell Booth, head of strategic communications and external affairs at Change Grow Live
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Join @collective-voice.bsky.social Women’s Treatment Working Group’s webinar for International Women’s Day. Chaired by our Deputy Chief Exec Nic Adamson, hear how women are shaping our residential detox & rehab services. 📅 11th March at 12pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/84067e...
Collective Voice Women's Treatment Working group webinar
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
"You have to meet people where they are, literally and emotionally.” Read about the IRIS project, a pioneering service for sex workers that's designed around women's lives and brings together a wide range of different services, all under one roof: www.changegrowlive.org/news/iris-pr...
Logo for IRIS project, Liverpool's support service empowering sex workers with inspiration, resilience, independence, and strength.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
In 2025, the Hep C Provider Forum’s combined social media activity reached over 161,000 people & generated more than 2,200 clicks - each a potential step towards testing & treatment. By working together, we can reach more people & provide compassionate, evidence-based care to those who need it.
Hep C Provider Forum: Achieving more by working together
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Hear from voices across London’s recovery community in the next London Recovery Network webinar ✨ Hosted by @collective-voice.bsky.social, the webinar will take place on Tuesday 3rd March 👇
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Join the team from River, our Liverpool service, at the Managing Addictions in Primary Care conference. We’ll be at our stand on the 26th & 27th February. Stop by & see how we can help you support people with their drug & alcohol use 🤝 Learn more: www.rcgp.org.uk/learning-res... #MAPC #MAPC30
Managing Addictions in Primary Care conference banner - 26th-27th February 2026, Liverpool
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
We’ve been working with #Havering Council to create a campaign across various channels including print, digital and out-of-home advertising 📣 This is one of our ads on a bus shelter raising awareness of our fantastic drug and alcohol services in the area. We’re here whenever they’re ready 💬
Brightly coloured ad on a bus shelter with main text reading 'Are you worried about drugs or alcohol?' and an image of a teenager beside it.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Paula McGowan @oliverscampaign.bsky.social, speaks to the Believe in People podcast about her son Oliver: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M80I... An autistic young man with a learning disability, Oliver’s tragic death led to the introduction of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training. #OliversCampaign
youtube.com
Every Health Professional Must Watch This | Paula McGowan OBE
YouTube video by Believe in People
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
We recognise that LGBTQ+ people face many health inequalities. We’re working on making sure that all our services provide a person centred and tailored approach so every Change Grow Live service throughout the UK can provide specialist support for the LGBTQ+ community 💜🏳️‍🌈
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
During National HIV Testing Week, we’re raising awareness of how we're supporting the @who.int goal to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030. 34,543 people accessing our services were tested for BBVs in 2024/25 Read about this international commitment: www.who.int/observatorie...
34,543 people accessing our services were tested for BBVs in 2024/25
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Our upcoming Insights newsletter examines small changes that can make big differences in the criminal justice system. The sooner we can connect people into treatment, the faster we can stop the revolving door of short prison sentences. Sign up here: www.changegrowlive.org/about-us/new...
Small changes that can make big differences in the criminal justice system.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
The team at our Stirling-based service were delighted to welcome @mareetodd.bsky.social, Minister for Drugs & Alcohol Policy & Sport in Scotland, earlier this week. They discussed key interventions, challenges & the Minister expressed her commitment to harm reduction and drug death prevention.
Two women and three men stood smiling at the camera
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
A new outfit can mean many things. Confidence for an interview. Warmth for someone sleeping rough. Reducing stigma for parents in recovery & their loved ones. In Nottingham, our volunteers created a free boutique that’s breaking stigma & restoring pride: www.changegrowlive.org/news/the-bou...
Clothing racks filled with various garments and shoes displayed in a bright boutique with wooden flooring and a mannequin in a yellow floral dress.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
KJ was at university when their ketamine use began affecting their finances, relationships, studies and health. After a referral to Change Grow Live, they’ve now been sober for five months. Read KJ’s story: www.changegrowlive.org/believe-in-p…
"My worker listened to what I had to say, but also challenged my beliefs and encouraged me to find a new mentality." quote in white text on a pink background with a blue quotation mark in the top left corner
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
We’re proud to have been re-accredited with the Investing in Volunteers award! 🌟 Achieving this demonstrates how much we value our volunteers and invest in providing an outstanding volunteer experience. Find out more about the award: investinginvolunteers.co.uk #IiVUK
Four people standing outdoors in casual clothing, engaged in conversation under trees on a clear day.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Our new strategy is built around a simple idea: helping more people, sooner. Though the idea is simple, the challenge is substantial. Read more on our website: www.changegrowlive.org/news/help-mo...
Our new organisational strategy: helping more people, sooner written in bold white text on a purple background
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
It's been another year of positive action & collaboration towards eliminating hep C. Executive Medical Director, Prun Bijral, discusses prevention, testing, treatment & our achievements. Read our Hep C Report 2025: indd.adobe.com/view/ab7b6ab...
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
In a society where hypermasculinity is deeply ingrained, many young men struggle to engage with traditional support services. Our In your Corner programme offers a fresh approach by focusing on a healthy, positive vision of masculinity: www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/...
Pink shield emblem with the phrase 'In Your Corner' over a colorful graffiti wall background.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Book your place on the #LondonRecoveryNetwork’s Autumn webinar to hear about the power of recovery through creativity ✨ Taking place on the 27th November, you'll hear from guest speakers across London’s diverse recovery community. Register here: londonrecoverynetwork.org.uk
Panel discussion at London Recovery Network event with two seated participants and one speaker at podium on stage.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Our 2025 annual report highlights how we’re working to ensure that health is a right, not a privilege. We've focused on reaching people sooner, addressing stigma and improving deliverability & accessibility. Read about the impact this has had: www.changegrowlive.org/news/annual-…
Young woman with curly hair standing outdoors, next to text reading 'Believe in people. Change Grow Live Annual Report 2025' on a purple background.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Our Board of Trustees will gain 2 new members: Victoria Steele & Angelene Woodland. "Their experience & passion will strengthen our leadership & help reach more people, in more communities, in the years ahead." - Sue Killen, Chair of the Board Read more: www.changegrowlive.org/news/welcomi...
Woman with shoulder-length blonde curly hair wearing a sleeveless red dress against a blue background.A woman with dark curly hair tied up wearing gold hoop earrings and a patterned red, black, and white top against a plain light background.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
This #TrusteesWeek, we're celebrating the invaluable contributions made by our trustees & the impact they have on our work. We spoke to Trustee Dr Caroline Shuldham about her recent visit to our St Helens service & its thriving, welcoming community space: www.changegrowlive.org/news/trusted...
Logo for Trustees' Week with the tagline Celebrating, supporting and inspiring trustees in blue, pink, and purple text alongside two stylized speech bubble icons.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
When Dragos came into contact with Change Grow Live, he was sleeping rough in Leeds. Our Leeds Street Outreach Service supported him to secure accommodation, navigate complex paperwork, rebuild his health & plan a brighter future. Read Dragos’ story: www.changegrowlive.org/believe-in-p...
Man with short brown hair and a trimmed beard wearing a black t-shirt against a plain white background.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Today’s figures show a continued rise in deaths related to drug-poisoning, with 5,565 deaths in England & Wales in 2024. Without urgent action, drug related deaths will continue on the same trajectory, with more lives lost & families shattered: www.changegrowlive.org/news/urgent-...
Bold white text on purple background reading 'Urgent action needed to halt continued rise in drug-related deaths'
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
The latest Women's Rough Sleeping report shows 54% of women reported sleeping somewhere that isn't included in traditional rough sleeping counts. Read this year's report with partners @shpcharity.bsky.social, @solacewomensaid.bsky.social, & @crisis-uk.bsky.social indd.adobe.com/view/6adb800...
Worn wooden bench with pink backrest displaying the question 'How do we sleep at night?' against a colourful, graffiti-covered wall.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Chris Henniker, Manager for our Young Person’s Service in Manchester, shares the service’s response to the lack of guidance on vaping. Read about how they’re equipping parents & professionals to better support young people in an ever-changing landscape: www.changegrowlive.org/news/eclypse...
Eclypse Manchester tackles support gap around vaping and young people
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Reposted by Change Grow Live
Waythrough @waythrough-uk.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
The London Recovery Network has officially launched! 🎉 Last week, over 250 people came together at Conway Hall to celebrate recovery, connection, and community across London. @changegrowlive.bsky.social @turningpoint-uk.bsky.social @notsaintsuk.bsky.social @collective-voice.bsky.social
Picture of crowd gathering at the launch of London Recovery Network
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Read Deputy Chief Executive Nic Adamson’s response to yesterday’s tragic attack and the rising division across our country: www.changegrowlive.org/news/holding...
Holding on to our humanity written in bold white text on a purple background
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Want expert analysis on what really matters in drugs, alcohol, and criminal justice? Sign up for email updates and get sharp commentary, insider insights, and need-to-know developments, straight from the experts in the sector. www.changegrowlive.org/about-us/new…
Bold white text on purple background, 'Sign up for expert analysis on drugs, alcohol, and criminal justice.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
The early outcomes from our pilot Level 2 Recovery Worker Qualification are promising ✨ Built on professional standards and compassion, this qualification supports volunteers’ career aspirations while strengthening the support we offer. Read more: www.changegrowlive.org/news/pilot-r...
Our Head of Volunteering and Placement, Chris, is presenting into a microphone in front of the cinema screen, and pointing.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
We’re thrilled to celebrate our first graduates from our pilot Level 2 Recovery Worker Qualification 🎉 Follow the graduates on their learning journeys, and witness their resilience, growth and achievements in this new documentary film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARby...
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The journey to graduation: Level 2 Recovery Worker Qualification
YouTube video by Change Grow Live
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Last week we attended the #StopTheDeaths conference in Glasgow, joining voices from across policy, practice, & experience to encourage conversation, drive change, & make an impact. Our services in Scotland & England are committed to supporting harm reduction & preventing drug-related deaths.
A woman stands behind a table filled with informational pamphlets, health supplies, and recruitment flyers at a recovery service booth with motivational posters in the background.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
“This is probably the biggest public health crisis for people who use drugs in the U.K. since the AIDS crisis in the 1980s." The @wsj.com details the huge risk that nitazenes pose, featuring our Exec Director, Vicki Markiewicz (full article behind a paywall): www.wsj.com/health/healt...
wsj.com
Stronger Than Fentanyl: A Drug You’ve Never Heard of Is Killing Hundreds Every Year
Ultrapotent synthetics, mostly from China, are easy to smuggle and mix into heroin, recreational drugs and gray-market pharmaceuticals.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Join us at the #StopTheDeaths conference, hosted by Scottish Drugs Forum. Timed to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, we’re proud to have a stand at Scotland’s largest drug-related conference. View the full programme for both days here: sdf.org.uk/get-involved...
Announcement of Change Grow Live's exhibition stand at the Scottish Drugs Forum's Stop the Deaths Conference in Glasgow, August 2025.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Yesterday evening's Newsnight featured a segment on the potent effects of nitazenes. Vicki Markiewicz, Exec Director of Change Grow Live, spoke about the catastrophic effects of nitazenes & how the drug treatment sector is responding. Watch from 20:25👇 www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Two women seated on a grey couch engaged in a lively discussion with a vibrant purple and white abstract background behind them.
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Team member Elly Mortimer sits down with host Matt Butler in the latest episode of the Believe in People podcast, run by ReNew in Hull. Hear Elly share her insight & expertise from over 30 years working in harm reduction, with a focus on eliminating hep C 👇 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com/elly/
believeinpeoplepodcast.com
71 | Elly Mortimer: Three Decades in Harm Reduction – Hep C, Learning, Listening & Leading
Elly returns for her third appearance on Believe in People to share insight from over 30 years working in harm reduction, with a focus on eliminating Hepatitis C. S…
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Occupational therapist, Jess Bhikha has embedded occupational therapy practices into our Coventry service offering with significant success. Read about how she has supported over 100 individuals with complex needs: www.changegrowlive.org/news/how-can...
How can occupational therapy support people with complex needs?
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Change Grow Live @changegrowlive.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
We’re proud to have supported the @hepctrust.bsky.social parliamentary reception earlier this month. The event celebrated the progress that has been made towards eliminating hepatitis C and marked the launch of the latest report - Sustaining Success: www.hepctrust.org.uk/blog/2025/07...
hepctrust.org.uk
New report published: Sustaining Success: Principles to achieve and maintain hepatitis C elimination in England - The Hepatitis C Trust
Today sees the publication of the final report of the Hepatitis C Elimination Maintenance Strategy Group, coordinated by HCV Action. SUSTAINING SUCCESS: Principles to achieve and maintain hepatitis C ...
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