A rehabilitation service for drug and alcohol addicts in Hillingdon has celebrated its first year of existence at an event in September.

Addiction Recovery Community Hillingdon (ARCH) was launched in 2015 and has already supported more than 1,000 people.

The service works with other organisations to provide therapeutic activities including group therapy.

One person abstaining a day

Interim sector manager Ruben Seetharamdoo said: "Since ARCH opened its doors in August last year, for every single day that we have opened our doors one Hillingdon service user has been walking out abstinent from substances, either drugs and or alcohol.

(Left) Student nurse at ARCH Katy Elkins with nurse Lynne Pay

"We have a proven track record in helping people in Hillingdon to regain control of their lives following a period of substance misuse and over the last year more than 300 people in Hillingdon recovered from their addiction through support from ARCH."

New recovery studio opened

The event was attended by staff, service users and the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor John Hensley.

It was held at ARCH's base in Old Bank House in Uxbridge High Street on September 22 and coincided with the launch of the new Recovery Studio.

The Recovery Studio, donated by the mayor's charity appeal fund and will act as a hub for art therapy and mindfulness group meetings.

Outreach worker Ben Parker (left) and interim sector manager Ruben Seetharamdoo in front of the new Recovery Studio

Service users shared their recovery stories and also a series of three-minute films made by people affected by addiction were showcased.

ARCH is a partnership between Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Hillingdon Council , service user led charity Build on Belief and other drug and alcohol projects.