We are pleased to announce that Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services (CDARS) has become Community Discovery and Recovery Services.
This change of name reflects the natural evolution of our organisation and the wider range of support we now provide. CDARS began 40 years ago as a psychosocial service supporting individuals experiencing substance and alcohol misuse issues, as well as their families and loved ones.
Over the decades, we have continued to grow and develop in response to the needs of the communities we serve. Today, our work extends across mental health, neurodiversity, and substance and alcohol misuse, providing compassionate, person-centred support to individuals, families, and communities.
While our name has changed, our commitment remains the same. Our ethos, values, and dedication to helping people discover their strengths, build recovery, and achieve their goals continue to guide everything we do.
We look forward to this next chapter as Community Discovery and Recovery Services, continuing to provide support, understanding, and hope to those who need us.
Is designed to support people aged 18 years old and plus struggling to come off alcohol and/or drugs, as well as to support individuals who are abstinent from substances and/or alcohol and want to access additional recovery support and relapse prevention services.
CDARS mental health services provide additional support in conjunction with the clinical services offered by the local NHS Trust. The Service is open every day of the year for persons in mental health crisis, or those who perceive themselves as going into crisis.
Saving Lives is a programme for suicide prevention and management. The programme offers a three-stage process – SURVIVE, PREVENT, SUSTAIN – which is delivered by suicide prevention specialist counsellors and volunteers.
R.I.S.E. (Reconnect Include Share Engage) is the Health and Wellbeing programme run by CDARS and delivered in partnership with Deen City farm (animal welfare and gardening sessions) and The Fighting Chance (Boxing training sessions).
Aimed at people experiencing mental health and substance misuse issues, the programme delivers holistic and psychoeducational activities that encourage our service users to feel empowered, protected, uplifted and independent.
CDARS Neurodiversity Support Programme supports individuals with neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. The programme offers mental health support, support with financial and housing benefits, employment and interviewing practice, social engagement and building relationships.
The Young People Service helps young adults to deal with challenging life experiences and helps them to learn how to live healthy independent lives. We offer activities and events that enable young adults to feel connected, protected, uplifted and part of a community.
Does your life feel out of control? CDARS' Gentleman of Value Club is here to help!
Ex-Military veterans are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-veterans, and are much more likely to experience homelessness, prison, or social exclusion. All these issues mean a much higher rate of depression and mental disorders. We offer this programme to support the well-being and re-integration of veterans living in our local community.
CDARS Community Kitchen Service has become an integral service for our local community, providing meals for those struggling with food poverty, cooking and shopping classes, and volunteer opportunities for clients facing employment barriers and lacking work experience.
At CDARS, we recognise a significant gap in support for Neurodivergent groups and their family members. Therefore, our service aims to fill that gap as much as possible.
The Adult Adoptee Circle is a compassionate and inclusive therapeutic space created specifically for adult adoptees.
Our specialist training equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to better support neurodivergent people affected by alcohol and substance misuse. To discover how our programmes can help, please email info@cdars.org.uk
Military Service does not stop with the person in uniform; military families live it every day, even beyond that person leaving the military. Whilst many families adapt the demands of service-life and beyond, for others, their challenges can become overwhelming and feel insurmountable.
CDARS has over 40 years of experience working with individuals who experience mental health issues, substance and alcohol abuse, and neurodiversity. Each year, we work with about 1200 individuals by providing a variety of holistic services aimed at improving their quality of life and wellbeing. We also run Suicide Prevention Programs, Emotional Support groups for Men, Support groups for Ex-Military Veterans and a Community Kitchen.
Our programmes are held across South West London, in Merton, Kingston, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth.
Are you looking for challenging and fun ways to raise funds for mental health and addiction support services? We have what you’re looking for. Or you can also come up with your own fundraising idea. Just get in touch: cdarsevents@cdars.org.uk
Our specialist training equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to better support neurodivergent people affected by alcohol and substance misuse. To discover how our programmes can help, please email info@cdars.org.uk .
CDARS regurlarly organises events. Check this page to find out about our upcoming events.
CDARS is very grateful for the enormous contribution our volunteers make to our drug and alcohol recovery services. The range of opportunities for volunteers include Recovery Champions, as well as student placements.
CDARS strongly believes in partnership work and how together with like-minded organisations we can achieve better outcomes for our clients and their families in our two boroughs Sutton and Wandsworth.
CDARS regularly looks for talented people to join our team in a range of roles across the organisation.
CDARS is registered with and has been successfully assessed to meet the Standards of the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
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