Introducing Community Discovery and Recovery Services

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.

020 85404023

info@cdars.org.uk

Finding Connection After Service: Supporting Veterans Beyond the Uniform

Name: CDARS
Address: 296a Kingston Road, London, SW20 8LX, United Kingdom
Telephone: 020 85404023
Rating: 5

A veteran is never just a veteran. You are a person, a family member, a friend, and part of our community.

Leaving the Armed Forces can be a major transition. For some veterans, the structure, camaraderie and sense of belonging that came with military life can be difficult to replace. Everyday life can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when people are carrying experiences that can be difficult to talk about.

At CDARS, we believe that no veteran should have to face those challenges alone.

Our Military Veterans Support Programme provides practical and emotional support to veterans across South West London. This includes counselling, advice, guidance and information, peer mentorship, support groups, health and wellbeing support, benefits support and employment assistance.

But support is not always about sitting in an office and having a formal conversation. Sometimes, it starts with a cup of coffee, a laugh, a shared story or simply meeting someone who understands.

Every Friday at 10am, our Veterans Hub in Wimbledon Chase provides an opportunity for veterans to come together, meet fellow ex-service personnel and enjoy some good old-fashioned banter and conversation.

We also have our very own Veterans Allotment in Morden, South London. It is a place where veterans can connect, support one another and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of nature while growing together. Through gardening and practical outdoor activities, we promote wellbeing, friendship and a sense of purpose, while helping to combat loneliness.

Our programme also includes visits to historical and local places of interest, such as Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and Kew Gardens. These activities provide opportunities to get out, explore, socialise and build friendships in a relaxed environment.

For many veterans, that connection can make a real difference.

Our outdoor activities help veterans stay active, build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop friendships. Being outdoors, doing something practical and spending time alongside other veterans can recreate some of the camaraderie many remember from their service days.

You do not have to arrive with everything figured out. You do not need to have a particular problem before reaching out. Whether you are looking for counselling, practical advice, help with benefits or employment, or simply want to meet other veterans, our team is here to listen and support you.

At CDARS, our approach is person-centred, respectful, confidential and non-judgemental. We recognise that every veteran has their own story, experiences and goals.

Sometimes, the first step is simply showing up.

So, if you are a veteran living in South West London, we welcome you back into the fold. Come and reconnect with the camaraderie, meet fellow veterans, share a bit of banter and build new friendships.

You are not alone. Come along and feel part of the veteran community.