These are mainstream drug and alcohol services listed by London borough. We aim to contact drug services at least once a year to verify the services provided. However, we do not guarantee the quality of service.
- A service we should add, or we’ve got something wrong, email here
- You can’t find a service (we’ll try to signpost you), email here
Services restricted by London borough
This has to do with the way they are commissioned (bought) though it’s pretty nuts for you: a guy in need of support being told a service can’t help because you don’t live in the borough. Fortunately, front-line staff tend to be helpful so if you’re in crisis contact any of the organisations listed by Borough below who will point you in the right direction.
Finding the right service for you
Some guys prefer to use gay or gay-friendly services which (as a rule) have a much better understanding of the issues affecting our lives, and the context. Others are happy to access mainstream services. Most services aim to be welcoming, respectful, knowledgeable, and understanding. The thing is to find a service that’s right for you (as best it can) and “gets the job done.” You may wish to phone first to check if the vibe feels right. Some of these questions may be more important than others, or you may have some of your own:
- Do you have an alcohol, drugs, or chemsex service for gay/ bi men?
- Do your workers have knowledge of health issues specific to gay/ bi men?
- Are there service times for gay/ bi men?
- Is your service LGBT+ friendly?
- And why not check out the service’s website?
Your GP
While your GP may not have specialist knowledge about recreational drug use (or chemsex) they should be able to point you to a service that does. Furthermore, they may be able to refer you directly, and can usually connect you to other support should you need it. It’s a good place to start if you feel you can have a conversation with them.
Changing names
We’re not a fan of constant renaming, rebranding (or local authority contract churn). It can make it more difficult to know who provides what and where to go. Local authorities should have up to date details of drug and alcohol service provision in their boroughs.
Here is a list of current drug and alcohol service providers and their previous names:
- Change Grow Live or CGL previously Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI). Changed 2015
- Cranstoun has not changed
- Forward Trust previously Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust (RAPt). Changed 2017
- Turning Point has not changed
- Via or v-i-a previously Westminster Drug Project (WDP). Changed 2017-18
- Waythrough previously Humankind, merged with Richmond Fellowship. Changed 2024
- We Are With You or With You previously Addaction. Changed 2020
