Click on the quotes to read some of our client recovery stories:

“After many years of ‘normal’ drinking, exacerbated by cocaine I was functioning but not present. It took a massive relationship breakdown which my ‘habit’ was blamed for that made me see what hold it had on my life and others around me. Let alone the money I was spending on it all. I had hit rock bottom and enough was enough”.

“Looking back, I think I had a problem when I was in the army, that was when the drinking really started, it was just part of the culture. Then around 6 years ago I finally realised it had become a real problem. I’d hit rock bottom and my daughter said to me if I don’t do something you’re not going to see your grandchildren and they mean everything to me. I was in a very dark place and I knew I had to sort myself out. That’s when I walked into ESRA”.

“I was choosing alcohol over my family and my kids and I was not getting from the drink what I thought I needed. It wasn’t solving my problems as I thought but creating them and I was really scared”.

“Looking back, I think I had a problem when I was in the army, that was when the drinking really started, it was just part of the culture. Then around 6 years ago I finally realised it had become a real problem. I’d hit rock bottom and my daughter said to me if I don’t do something you’re not going to see your grandchildren and they mean everything to me. I was in a very dark place and I knew I had to sort myself out. That’s when I walked into ESRA”.

“ESRA has helped me a lot. I get so much benefit from sharing other people’s stories in recovery. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and not to be complacent. I’ve done activities and courses that I would never have attempted without the support of ESRA. I’ve met a lot of people who are going through similar situations that I can totally relate to. It’s so supportive here”.

 

 

Change Grow Live (STAR)

If you are still actively using substances, Change Live Grow is the first port of call to access recovery treatment and services.

Change Live Grow is the local recovery treatment service for East Sussex, supporting people with drug and alcohol addiction. They can then refer you to ESRA to continue your recovery journey.

https://www.changegrowlive.org/star-drug-alcohol-service-east-sussex

 

Coastal Wellbeing

In January 2025, ESRA renewed its partnership with Coastal Wellbeing to deliver WRAP training to ESRA clients. WRAP stands for Wellness in Recovery Action Planning, and it teaches personal responsibility for wellbeing in recovery. This has already been shown to improve resilience among the recovery community.

What does Coastal Wellbeing offer?

Counselling:

Lucy and Molly are both qualified person-centred counsellors and members of the BACP. They offer private practices in Denton, Newhaven and Lewes.

They offer counselling for anyone seeking support, short or long term. They also offer one-to-one WRAP.  There is more information about them and how they work on our counselling page.

Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP):

We facilitate WRAP groups, run workshops and deliver WRAP Facilitator training. Our courses and workshops give people the opportunity to:

• Create their own WRAP®
• Develop self-awareness
• Build on existing strengths
• Learn new skills
• Enhance self-esteem and confidence
• Explore wellness at work
• Manage stress and health
• Discover wellbeing

http://www.coastalwellbeing.co.uk

 

East Sussex Veterans Hub

At East Sussex Veterans Hub, wellbeing is at the forefront of what we’re working together towards. Our programs and activities are designed to be a catalyst that helps community members reach their goals and fulfil their potential. Learn more about the positive impact we have and join us in bringing about positive changes.

Over 90% of ESVH clients with PTSD also experience drug or alcohol misuse. ESVH focuses on this ‘hard to reach’ group and those less likely to engage. Where appropriate, they refer clients to ESRA.

http://www.eastsussexveteranshub.co.uk

Education Futures Trust

EFT offer free courses for our clients.  So far they have been involved in bush craft, barista training and much more.

http://www.educationfuturestrust.org

 

One You

Last year, 24 ESRA clients had free NHS health checks during 3 drop-ins.

http://www.oneyoueastsussex.org.uk

 

Touch of Gentleness

Helen and Jo offer free hand massage to our clients on a monthly basis to aid their recovery and well being.

 

Professional Referrals and Relationships

At ESRA we regularly work with the following professional bodies to safeguard and support our clients:

  • Adult Social Care
  • Wellbeing Centre
  • Probation Service
  • Police (eg for safeguarding concerns and welfare checks)
  • Hastings Borough Council
  • Woodlands Hospital
  • Staying Well
  • GP Surgeries

 

Mr Hastings and St Leonards is hosted by Hastings Voluntary Action, funded by East Sussex County Council and led by local men.

Research shows that life expectancy for men in Hastings and St Leonards is significantly lower than the national average. There have been many great initiatives across the borough that have made a real difference to individual men’s health and wellbeing. However, this hasn’t changed the bigger picture around men’s life expectancy locally.

This project is based on the belief that men in Hastings and St Leonards will live happier, healthier, and longer lives if they are at the heart of decision making and live in strong, supportive, and well-connected communities, where they can fulfill their potential.  This project is reflecting this belief by supporting men to talk about what matters for them.

https://vimeo.com/941337294

Partner With Us

We are always looking for partnership opportunities with like minded charities and organisations.

At ESRA, we recognize that stigma, shame, and cultural barriers can make it difficult for people from diverse backgrounds to reach out for help. That’s why we are committed to expanding our outreach efforts to ensure that ethnic, cultural, and diverse communities know they are welcome here. We are actively working to create a more inclusive environment by fostering partnerships with local organisations, offering culturally sensitive support, and inviting feedback to ensure our services reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

 

We want to engage with every part of our community, building trust and providing support that feels accessible and relevant. By breaking down barriers and extending a welcoming hand to all, we hope to build a stronger, more connected East Sussex. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please reach out—ESRA is here to help. Together, we can create a community that is compassionate, inclusive, and resilient.

Get in touch

 
 
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