At The Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS) Staff Conference, we were proud to recognise and celebrate the exceptional dedication and achievements of several team members whose work truly embodies our organisation’s values of being service user-focused, caring, and effective. Their commitment has made a profound difference in the lives of those we support, often in challenging and urgent circumstances.

Aspire Community Team: Life-Saving Responsiveness
Lily Foster, Helen Morley, and Majella Kenny from the Aspire Community Team were nominated for their extraordinary responsiveness that resulted in saving a life. When a keyworker noticed a missed appointment - an important medical review and prescription collection following hospital discharge - they acted swiftly. The service user had recently self-discharged from hospital after being treated for a swollen, arm, which was hot to the touch, and had a history of Pregabalin overdose.

Concerned for the service user’s wellbeing, the team arranged a same-day welfare check. Two community members conducted a late-day home visit, discovering the individual in the midst of an overdose. They immediately called an ambulance, administered CPR, and gave five doses of Naloxone while guided by emergency services over the phone. Despite the ambulance taking over 1.5 hours to arrive, the team stayed with the service user until help arrived. The service user later confirmed the overdose was intentional, highlighting the critical importance of the team’s timely intervention.

Fran Hewitt – Aspire Outreach Team: Advocacy and Resilience
Fran Hewitt has had an outstanding year in the Aspire Outreach Team, excelling in a demanding role with positivity, humour, and unwavering commitment. Working with client groups often facing stigma, including sex workers, Fran has been a passionate advocate, increasing engagement and raising awareness among partner agencies.

Her perseverance and resilience have created strong therapeutic relationships, resulting in increased referrals and client engagement. Fran’s dedication has not only supported vulnerable individuals but also enhanced collaboration across services, making a lasting impact.

ERP Baker Street Team: Rapid Response to Overdose Incidents
The Addictions Service team at 7 Baker Street demonstrated exceptional professionalism and quick action in response to multiple overdose incidents linked to contaminated spice in the area. Both incidents occurred outside Trust premises, yet the team responded swiftly, administering life-saving Naloxone in one case.

Their support extended beyond immediate care, assisting police investigations by providing statements in their own time. This dedication was crucial in managing these serious incidents and exemplifies the team’s commitment to community safety and wellbeing.

Kate Harvey and Hannah Lamb – ERP: Navigating Complex Needs
Kate Harvey and Hannah Lamb have excelled as Homeless and In-Reach Navigators within the Inclusion Health service, roles that extend beyond typical ADS duties to address complex social needs alongside substance misuse.

While completing demanding social work apprenticeships, they have achieved remarkable outcomes. One notable success involved supporting a long-term rough sleeper with alcohol dependency into stable housing, where he has maintained tenancy for over a year and engaged effectively with mental health services.

Their work has significantly enhanced the reputation of the Inclusion Health Service and they remain vital team members supporting colleagues and clients alike.

Hospital Liaison Team – Jo Mullarkey: Compassionate Advocacy
Jo Mullarkey from the Hospital Liaison Team received high praise for her compassion, persistence, and professionalism. In one instance, Jo advocated tirelessly for a patient initially dismissed by ward staff. Thanks to her persistence, the patient, suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, received timely specialist review and treatment, preventing a potentially life-threatening coma.

Colleagues describe Jo as “an absolute diamond,” recognising her dedication to patient care and the profound difference she makes every day.

A Heartfelt Thank You
These stories of dedication, compassion, and professionalism highlight the incredible work our teams do every day. We are proud to celebrate these individuals and teams who go above and beyond to save lives, support vulnerable people, and uphold the highest standards of care.

Thank you to all staff for your ongoing commitment — you truly make a difference.

*Some of the award winners were unable to attend the conference to collect their awards in person.