News and More
Rehabit at Age UK’s Let’s Talk event
Rehabit was pleased to take part in this month’s Let’s Talk event hosted by Age UK in Islington.
As part of the afternoon session on local drug and alcohol support, Sean, CEO of Rehabit, delivered a ten minute talk exploring the realities of substance misuse and recovery.
He outlined common signs that someone may be struggling, challenged a number of myths around addiction, and offered practical guidance for families and friends on how to start supportive conversations. He also highlighted when to consider seeking help and the range of support available locally, including services for those affected by a loved one’s drinking or drug use.
You can watch Sean’s talk below, along with the other presentations and shared resources from the day.
Rehabit co-production day at Arsenal
Rehabit recently brought together a small group of clients for a co-production session designed to shape the future of our service. Hosted at the Arsenal Hub and followed by a tour of the Emirates Stadium, the day combined thoughtful conversation with a memorable shared experience.
The purpose of the session was simple and vital: to hear directly from the people who know our service best. We invited a mix of clients, some new to Rehabit, some partway through their journey, and some who have completed their programme, to share honest reflections on what works, what could be improved, and what new ideas might strengthen our offer
In a relaxed and open seventy-five-minute discussion, clients spoke candidly about their first impressions of Rehabit, what made them feel welcome, and what helped them stay engaged.
The conversation was thoughtful, generous and constructive. It reminded us that the heart of effective recovery work lies not only in professional expertise, but in listening carefully and responding to those who have experienced our service.
We are grateful for the warm welcome and excellent hosting at the Arsenal Hub. The setting offered a professional yet relaxed environment, allowing everyone to feel at ease and fully engaged in the discussion. Stepping outside our usual spaces created a sense of occasion and signalled how much we value our clients’ voices.
The day concluded with a guided tour of the Emirates Stadium. Walking through the stands, visiting behind-the-scenes areas and taking in the scale of the pitch was a powerful experience for many in the group.
For some, it was their first time inside a Premier League stadium. For others, it was a reminder that new experiences are still possible, no matter where their journey began. The tour provided a fitting close to a day focused on growth, possibility and looking ahead with renewed confidence.
Co-production is not a one-off event. It is part of our commitment to continuous improvement and to ensuring that those who use our service help shape its direction. The insights gathered will inform practical changes over the coming months, from refining how we communicate to introducing new ideas that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.
We extend our thanks to everyone who took part, and to our hosts at Arsenal for helping us create a day that combined purpose, partnership and inspiration.
Rehabit featured in Arsenal’s derby-day match programme
When the Arsenal Foundation chose to support Rehabit, it helped strengthen a small north London charity that works with people fighting addiction and often shut out from mainstream services. In the matchday programme for Arsenal v Spurs, peer supporter Garry Durston shared how his own recovery led him to this work, and why lived experience sits at the heart of Rehabit’s approach. His story charts the reality of addiction, the long road back to stability, and the power of being met with understanding rather than judgement.
Please see the full story on the Arsenal Foundation website.
Cranfield Trust highlights Rehabit’s journey in their Christmas celebrations
Further to promoting Rehabit’s video, Cranfield Trust will be featuring us in their twelve days of Christmas social media countdown, celebrating the grassroots organisations they have supported. As part of this, Sean, our CEO, has been invited to speak at their festive team meeting to share more about Rehabit’s progress, the people we serve, and the lessons learned along the way. It is a generous gesture that reflects the close relationship built during a period of renewal and rebuilding for our charity.
We were also deeply encouraged to receive a reflection from David Bonney, a Cranfield consultant who we worked closely with. He shared: “Sean and the other new trustees had to make brave decisions … effectively relaunching the charity as a start-up, operating with no fixed premises and uncertain sources of funds. However they had a compelling vision driven by their own lived experience and sense of vocation, and although having to adjust their ambitious timeframes for growth, they built a clear proposition for clients and referrers and set about building awareness, attracting referrals and funds and recruiting good volunteers to deliver their work. It was a pleasure to work with Sean and the trustees who devote significant personal time and effort and have a very strong sense of purpose. They deserve to grow and succeed.”
Community Chest grant strengthens our counselling support
This support will help us to offer counselling and peer support services for more Islington residents facing challenges with drug and alcohol use, particularly those living with co-occurring mental health conditions. Many of the individuals we work with experience complex and overlapping needs, and this funding enables us to offer a steadier, more personalised pathway towards recovery.
We are grateful to Islington Council and Cripplegate Foundation for recognising the importance of this work. Their contribution helps ensure that more people in our community can access safe, compassionate support at a time when it is needed most.
Rehabit’s story of growth and renewed purpose
The video also touches on what this support has made possible for our clients. With clearer processes, stronger leadership, and a renewed sense of direction, Rehabit is now able to reach more people who fall through the gaps in mental health services.
From Islington to Alicante!
Grant award from Arsenal Foundation Gunner’s Fund
In a year that saw an unprecedented number of applications, we’re honoured to have been chosen. The award also includes the opportunity to share our story in an Arsenal matchday programme next season – a wonderful chance to shine a light on the resilience of our community.
Our sincere thanks to everyone at the Arsenal Foundation for believing in the work we do.
Rehabit runs interactive addiction myth-busting sessions
“I love running these,” said Sean, CEO of Rehabit. “I always learn something new about how people see addiction. I believe participants walk away with new insights too. It’s a powerful way to help people move beyond the stereotypes, connect with the human story behind addiction, and build empathy.”
Rehabit talks at PDG Drugs & Substance Abuse Conference
Stay active with Age UK: free information event in Islington
Islington residents are invited to a Keep Active Information Event at Islington Central Library on Wednesday 7th May, 11am–1pm. The event will showcase free and affordable ways to stay active, with advice on activities like guided walks, community gardening, yoga, and more. Representatives from Better Leisure, Arsenal in the Community, Healthy Generations, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods, and Islington Council will be on hand to offer personalised guidance. If you plan to attend, you are encouraged to fill out the Keep Active Day booking form in advance.
Staying active can cut the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, and depression by up to 40 percent. Even small steps—like stretching or a short walk—can bring lasting benefits. The library, located just off Holloway Road, is accessible by bus and tube, and the event will be held on the first floor with lift access available. For more information, or if you have any questions, you can email Katie Skea at kskea@ageukislington.org.uk.
Launch of community presence at Islington’s Access Hub
Today, 16 April, marked an exciting first for Rehabit, as we hosted our debut table at Islington’s Access Hub, 222 Upper Street — a significant step in our wider community engagement plan.
From now on, we’ll be attending the Hub every fortnight, forming a consistent presence within the borough. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to embed ourselves more deeply into the local community, with ongoing attendance at drop-in sessions, food banks, residential centres, hostels, and local events across Islington.
Our aim is simple yet vital: to raise awareness and gently guide those in need toward the support we offer. By being present in these spaces, we hope to identify and signpost individuals who may benefit from our in-house counselling and peer support services — particularly those who do not require detox but are seeking meaningful change.
This is not about delivering on-the-spot advice or immediate interventions. It’s about listening, informing, and connecting people with appropriate support when the time is right. We look forward to meeting more members of the community in the coming weeks and building trust, one conversation at a time.