Leeds addiction recovery service retains outstanding CQC rating

A Leeds service supporting people affected by alcohol and drug use has been rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission for the second consecutive time.

Forward Leeds, led by Waythrough, provides one-to-one support, group sessions and activities designed to help people achieve their personal recovery goals. These commonly include abstinence, reducing substance use and maintaining long-term recovery.

Following an inspection in May, the service was rated outstanding for being caring, effective, responsive and well-led. It received a good rating for safety.

Inspectors found that staff understood people’s individual needs and treated them with dignity and respect. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with people describing the service as safe and supportive and one person saying staff had saved their life.

Recovery plans were shaped around individual goals, with staff recognising and celebrating progress. People were also given considerable flexibility over appointment times and could contact the service when they needed additional support.

A dedicated family team supports children affected by a parent’s alcohol or drug use, while former service users are encouraged to become trained volunteers. Inspectors also praised the organisation’s work with community partners and its efforts to keep families informed.

Forward Leeds has received the Leeds Domestic Violence and Abuse Quality Mark, recognising its work to identify and support people affected by abuse.

The CQC said managers were visible, approachable and supportive, while staff used a holistic approach to plan and deliver treatment. It encouraged other services to consider what they could learn from Forward Leeds.

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