Meridian Wellbeing is partnering with Change Grow Live to offer hope to those with substance addictions

Substance addiction continues to be one of the most challenging public health issues in the UK. Government data shows that 8.7% of adults aged between 16 to 59, approximately 2.9 million people, in England and Wales reported taking an illegal drug last year. But substance addiction is not just caused by illegal drugs, just over 1% of the adult population of England are estimated to have an alcohol addiction, and 25% of the adult population are prescribed medication which potentially could lead to an addiction.  

Behind these statistics though are real people – our family members, friends and colleagues – each one a life with value and potential sadly struggling with something beyond their control. Addiction is something which can affect anyone, while some find themselves with an addiction as a response to trauma, others developed their addiction through small, unintentional steps or because of a medication designed to help them.  

Despite the headlines and presentation in film or television, addiction is not a moral failing nor a lack of will – it’s a crippling condition that consumes people and can potentially destroy their lives.  

Meridian Wellbeing has a long history supporting Barnet residents with complex needs, this is why we’re partnering with local addiction support service, Change Grow Live, to support local people experiencing addiction. By working together, we aim to not only respond to the addiction itself, but also to the social, emotional, and wellbeing factors that shape recovery. 

Like Meridian Wellbeing, Change Grow Live’s approach is based on empowerment and putting people at the centre. Meridian Wellbeing helps to close the gap between clinical addiction treatment and the wider community support people need to rebuild their lives. 

Supporting people on their recovery journey 

Meridian Wellbeing delivers the Barnet Wellbeing Hub, a central gateway to connect you with support, counselling and community activities through social prescribing. Our work complements Change Grow Live by tackling the broader factors that influence a person's ability to recover and thrive. 

At Meridian Wellbeing, you can access: 

• Counselling & CBT service: a confidential, affordable therapy to support anxiety, stress, depression, or trauma which are common challenges for people affected by addiction or those supporting others.  

• The Barnet Wellbeing Hub: Our Wellbeing Navigators carry out an ‘Emotional Health Checks’ and co-produce personalised plans linking people with activities, community groups, and practical help. Social prescribing is proven to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing through the connections and bridges to the community it builds. 

• Community and social support: our friendly, peer-led wellbeing cafés in Hendon and New Barnet offer conversation, crafts, exercise and creative sessions to reduce isolation and build confidence. 

• Physical health: Accessible wellbeing classes, such as table tennis, help people manage stress, improve mobility, and reconnect with their bodies. 

• Improving lifestyle: Through the Wellbeing Hub, individuals can access advice on housing, employment, financial pressures, and legal rights. All of these are issues which may impact someone’s recovery journey.   

Working together to support recovery 

Substance addiction in London is widespread, but so is the support available. The partnership between organisations like Change Grow Live and Meridian Wellbeing helps to ensure that residents can access both specialist treatment and holistic wellbeing support, which are both an essential part of an individual’s recovery journey. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction – please do reach out and ask for help. Support in Barnet is free, confidential, and rooted in community care. 

You can contact us at [email protected] or by calling 020 7613 1008.  

You can contact Change Grow Live at [email protected] or by calling 0300 303 2866  

Find out more 

In this month’s episode of The Word on Wellbeing, our popular podcast exploring the world of mental health, wellbeing and our local community, we spoke with Mark Crawley from Change Grow Live. We explored what addiction is, how it impacts people and what is being done to support local people on their recovery journey. You can listen to the episode here or by searching The Word on Wellbeing wherever you find your podcasts.