Our impact

Discover the impact we create for individuals and communities

Our impact

Impact on individuals

Our service users are at the heart of everything we do, and the most important test of whether we are getting things right is in seeing their successes and hearing their stories.

Our Recovery Academies in Nottingham, Mansfield and Lincolnshire create opportunities for people whose alcohol or drug dependency has limited access to education and training. Based on a ‘5 ways to wellbeing model’, individuals are empowered to connect with others, be active in their community, take notice of their development , learn new skills and approaches and give back to society.

Here, David talks about the impact of this on his recovery…

We believe that sustainable recovery is built upon having a supportive network, and having the right skills and support to return to some form of work or meaningful activities. This is why we have developed a range of programmes and pathways to make this happen. We embed skills training, mentoring, volunteering and paid work roles into our services, to give people the best opportunity to move forward into independence and fulfilling futures.

Here, Iain talks about his journey to employment with Double Impact…

Impact on individuals and society

Double Impact believes that effective, long-term recovery takes place within the community. Our services act as supportive pathways that connect people with the wider recovery community, encouraging individuals to develop their own support networks.

Through this, many choose to give something back to our services through mentoring, volunteering and involvement in recovery groups and events, which empowers them to create lasting assets for their own and others’ recoveries.

Café Sobar, an alcohol-free bar and venue in Nottingham city centre set up with the support of a National Lottery Community Fund grant, provides a welcoming space for service users, their family and friends and the wider public, as well as training and employment opportunities for people in recovery.

Here, Alex talks about why he volunteers at Café Sobar…

Attracting people from across the East Midlands, Café Sobar’s regular social gatherings for recovering people and their loved ones have helped over 1800 individuals to reduce their social isolation and the associated risk of relapse.

Double Impact is proud to have been making an impact for over two decades. Since the charity began in 1998, it has:

  • Supported 20,000 people to regain control of their lives
  • Helped over 12,600 people to gain new skills
  • Supported over 8,500 people to deal with debt and housing problems
  • Helped over 4,200 long-term unemployed people into employment
  • Created peer support groups which help over 300 people per week
  • 78% of those completing our volunteering & apprenticeship scheme gain paid employment
  • Every £1 invested in our services gives a return of £7 to society
Latest Reports

If you need help or know someone who needs support

Get help