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Forward Connect (peer-led community)

Forward Connect is a peer-led mutual aid community of like-minded people who are making good progress in their own journey – this could be people in addiction recovery, family recovery, moving away from crime, overcoming mental health problems, or who are coming out of a period of unemployment or homelessness.

Who it’s for

Membership of the Forward Connect community is open to anyone who has received Forward Trust services who is making good progress within the Forward Trust towards their personal goals, and has the ability to be a mutual support and positive influence on others.

In certain circumstances, we may admit members who have received services from our partner providers, or who have lived experience and made progress through their own efforts.

While Forward Connect is not exclusively for clients who are abstinent, members will need to be in control of their drink or drug use, and not be chaotic in their using i.e. heavy drinking, antisocial behaviour, daily/binge using of either drugs or alcohol. Forward Connect members who are under the influence at any Forward Connect event, activity, or meeting (online or offline); will be refused entry on those occasions.

What to expect

Referring clients to Forward Connect will give them access to:

  • A monthly Forward Connect newsletter
  • Receiving regular copies of our client led magazine called The Journey (Oct 2023, Issue 24), which contains content such as: Shares, Poetry, artwork, photos of activities happening across forward, articles etc
  • Invitations to Forward Trust reunions, activities and events
  • Peer support meetings (running locally on a face-to-face and online basis, and Nationally online)
  • Forward Connect online chat rooms and message boards
  • Various opportunities to give back and to volunteer in their local community

If your area does not currently have a Forward Connect network and there are forward service users interested we can also offer support to help set this up.

Get in touch

To express an interest in joining Forward Connect or to find out more please, fill in the form below or email us: forwardconnect@forwardtrust.org.uk

If you are currently engaged in treatment at a forward service you can also speak to a Forward keyworker who will be able to complete a referral.

    By completing this form and submitting it to us, you are consenting to receive news and updates from The Forward Trust about Forward Connect. We promise to keep your personal information safe. The information you provide will not be shared with any third parties. *
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It took a while, but everyone got to know one another better and I’ve now made friends with lots of people in the group. I also have a better understanding of what my son went through, and I think others in the group have an insight into how family members are trying to deal with their own situations.

Paul N, Family Peer Support Mentor and Forward Connect member Read Paul’s story