A LIFE-changing drug rehabilitation programme has been launched in Coventry.
The award-winning Offending 2 Recovery (O2R) programme, a pioneering initiative that has transformed lives and reduced crime in Birmingham since 2018, has been expanded into the city – marked by a launch event at West Orchards Shopping Centre.
The programme offers a free, tailored support service which helps people break the cycle of addiction and crime, giving them a fresh start in life.
Funded by local authorities, businesses, and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster – who invests £100,000 annually – the programme has already helped people struggling with addiction to turn their lives around.
Mr Foster said: “O2R is a shining example of how we can effectively prevent and tackle crime, by investing in prevention and rehabilitation and not only punishment.
“This programme is based on the deceptively simple premise that if we address the underlying cause of a person’s offending, they are very likely to stop offending.
“It continues to cut crime, build safer communities and change and save lives. It is a win-win. I’m pleased to support its expansion across the region.”
The O2R team includes addiction-trained police officers and specialist staff from local drug and alcohol services. They work with retailers, probation services, charities, housing associations, healthcare providers, colleges and other support agencies to deliver personalised care to each individual.
Phil Brown, who became addicted to heroin and crack cocaine two years ago, says O2R saved his life.
Homeless and stealing up to £300 worth of goods daily to feed his habit, he was sleeping rough behind a Lidl store in Coventry. Now, thanks to O2R, he is three months clean, living in a safe home, and participating in therapy and fitness programmes.
He said: “O2R saved my life, there’s no question about it.
“If it wasn’t for Joy at West Midlands Police and my support worker Katie at Change Grow Live, I wouldn’t be here. This is the best I’ve felt. It’s changed my life.”
Keeley Knowles, once one of Birmingham’s most prolific shoplifters having stolen millions of pounds worth of goods, is now 18 months clean after a 29-year heroin addiction.
Keeley, who first injected at the age of 13, credits O2R with helping her reconnect with her family and rebuild her life.
She said: “O2R doesn’t just help people recover – it gives them their lives back.
“I’ve met nieces and nephews I didn’t even know existed. This programme saves lives. It saved mine.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/y3pu8hzr for more information about the O2R programme.
