Who we are
We are committed to helping all those affected by drug and alcohol use
WDP is a vibrant and innovative charity committed to helping all those who are affected by drug and alcohol use. We are 23 years old and have long experience of working with people in a wide range of circumstances. We offer support to families and communities too.
With the right support, people can change
We are passionate about helping people recover from drug and alcohol dependency. We know from experience that with the right support, people can change. Everyone is different: some people will make a full recovery, some will get there in the end after several relapses, but everyone can be supported to lead healthier and happier lives.
We deliver services on behalf of local authorities
WDP started off as a little community centre in Westminster – hence the name. Today we have 22 centres across London and the south-east of England. We deliver services on behalf of local authorities, commissioned by the Drug & Alcohol Action Teams (DAATs). Most of our income is earned from delivering services to people affected by drug and alcohol problems in local communities.
Fund raising helps to develop new services
We also raise funds from charitable trusts and foundations including Comic Relief and the Big Lottery in order to develop and improve what we can offer our service users. Innovatory programmes like Hertspeak and One Herts One Family – working with children and families in Hertfordshire, and Giving Something Back – where service users give back through volunteering and peer support, are funded in this way. Lots of the activities that help people to develop social skills and confidence, like art, gardening and sports, are done on tiny budgets, relying on local facilities and volunteers. Small donations of £100 or £200 to buy a camera or pay for equipment can make all the difference.
We are committed to partnership working
We work closely with partners in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors to give people the support they need to recover. Service users often need to use a range of services from health and housing to benefits and employment agencies. By working together we can overcome the hurdles and offer joined-up solutions. We work closely with the police, court, prison and probation services to ensure that clients in the criminal justice system get the care they need too.
Working with families and children can really help
We work with the families and children of service users where possible, so that they can support each other and work out solutions together.
Service users go on to become role models
Service users help each other in all sorts of ways, for instance through sharing their experiences in group therapy. Many go on to volunteer at WDP and other organisations. WDP has around a hundred volunteers, 1 in 4 of the workforce, and over half of them are former service users. Some go on to become staff members. At every level they provide powerful role models for people who are still dependent.
Read Our Stories
WDP is about giving people the tools and the support they need to help themselves. For those who are too early in their journey to have hope, we hold it for them. As they recover, they hold the hope and ambition for themselves. Read Our Stories to discover what people can achieve with the right help.