We Are
Aquarius

We are a Midlands based charity. Aquarius is part of Waythrough, a charity specialising in mental health, alcohol and drug support, and related areas. Together, we provide a wide range of services to help individuals, families, and communities. We strive to support people to change their behaviours and change their lives.

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Aquarius staff attending a conference.
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What We Do

Support

Looking for help with alcohol, drugs or gambling? We’re here when you’re ready.

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Training

We train professionals to recognise risk, respond early, and support people with confidence.

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Get Involved

Support our work by donating, fundraising or partnering with us.

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Who We Help

  • Adults

    Practical, compassionate support for adults affected by alcohol, drugs or gambling.

    No pressure. No judgement. Just support that works.

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    Service user getting support at Aquarius.
  • Young People

    Support for young people dealing with alcohol, drugs, gambling or stuff at home. We listen. We get it.

    You don’t have to go through it alone

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    Service user getting support at Aquarius.

Do An Amazing Thing Today

Generous donations from people like you make a huge difference in the lives of people we support.

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Constant support is on hand

"Coming to Aquarius over 10 years ago transformed my life. I got the support I didn’t even know I needed. Now I’m a totally new and different person with such self-confidence. All down to how Aquarius works for the better of the clients, staff and volunteers.

Due to all the encouragement, I had to get involved in working with Aquarius. I have good knowledge of how it works throughout the organisation. Therefore, when someone asks about what they do I am able to go through all sides of Aquarius. This is why I try to get new clients and volunteers to realise that the doors are open to all. Constant support is on hand, plus most staff have lived experience, meaning the empathy you feel from staff is real."

Linda Thompson, Volunteer

A room with soft armchairs around a table, with colourful walls.

Playing a part towards positive change

"Volunteering with Aquarius means helping the community and playing a part towards positive change. I enjoy serving and having conversations with customers. What makes me proud is seeing smiles on their faces after being served, making it clear the service provided was good."

Tadi, Grounded Café Staff (previously a service user and a volunteer)

Empty chairs ready for a group workshop session.

Aquarius is a family

"Aquarius is a place that offers support to those that need it by genuine people who care. Working in an environment like this you build a bond with those you support and the ones you work with. I have always said, Aquarius is a family.

I enjoy working with people knowing that the work I do makes a positive impact on their life, it can be challenging but when you see the change in someone, when they have hope and the confidence to overcome their obstacles, this in itself is such a reward."

Darren Townsend, Team Leader of Aquarius Homes

Support books on a desk next to a potted plant.

my passion never dips

"Aquarius is a service for you to access support or information about drugs. I know people make grand statements all the time about what they do, but we genuinely do not judge and encourage you to lead on the support you receive from us.

I absolutely love my job with Aquarius, working with young people has been my driving force for over twenty years and my passion never dips. I love the team we have in Birmingham, and I can wholeheartedly say we/I have the dedication to put people’s needs first which keeps the values of our service beating in our hearts."

Colette Lloyd, Service Manager

A poster of anxiety coping statements on a notice board.

an organisation that empowers positive change

"I have worked at Aquarius for 14 years in total, after initially joining the organisation in an admin role I have been supported to develop my skills and experience to progress into management. Aquarius have supported my personal and professional development to enable me to now manage a service and support staff in their own development journeys. I have remained committed to working at Aquarius due to their values and focus on creating a positive work culture, and providing opportunities for qualifications and apprenticeships alongside this.

It is a privilege to work for an organisation that empowers positive change for people and tackles the challenges facing adults and young people who are impacted by substance use."

Emma Booth, Service Manager (Derby Family Drug and Alcohol Safeguarding Service)

Pack of kindness cards on a desk.

great work/life balance

"Since working for Aquarius, I find myself listened to. My ideas are taken on board. My co-workers trust me. My skills are valued. I am part of a team. I have a great work/life balance. The humanity and kindness of the people in the organisation is truly rare.

I am constantly working with the most genuine, inspirational, awesome, strong, caring people I have ever met."

Faye Wainscott, Administrator

Person writing on flipchart paper.

always felt supported

"There are lots of things that I love about working for Aquarius. I have always felt supported and heard by my peers and managers alike. Aquarius is the only service I have ever worked for that actively encourages communication with senior management, and then responds to the needs of their staff following this communication.

I feel that hard work and dedication is seen and rewarded, and I have been blessed with opportunities to grow and develop my skills and aim for promotion when available. On the first of September 2025 I will have been with Aquarius for 10 years. This is the longest period of time I have worked with any service or company, and in our increasingly transient world of work it is telling that Aquarius have so many long standing members of staff."

Karl Philips, Service Manager (Recovery Hub) Wolverhampton

A thank you card on a desk.

I love being part of the Aquarius family

"I love being part of the Aquarius family, the young people in our service and my team. I passionately believe in our purpose to support children and young people to make informed decisions around substances.

I am proud of the measures we take locally and across Aquarius to support children and young people to create positive futures."

Zoe Church-Wood, Service Manager - Ngage

Aquarius helped my family

"Aquarius helped my family understand what I was going through mentally and physically. If you need help, you should always consider it as an option, as it really helps you to understand what you are actually doing to yourself and also helps your family understand."

Anonymous, Service User

Poster with "everyone is welcome here" written on it.

They saved my life

"They saved my life, I wouldn’t be 2 years clean if it wasn’t for them, I’ve never really had a family but Aqaurius have all become my family."

Kai, Service User

Aquarius service user workshopping affirmations.

On The Blog

Stories, insights and updates from the people and communities we work with.

A FOND FAREWELL TO AQUARIUS DRIVE SERVICE AND IT’S TWO REMARKABLE MEMBERS

After many years of dedicated delivery, the Aquarius Drive Service has now closed, marking the end of an important chapter in our organisation’s history. As we say goodbye to the service, we also say farewell to two of its longest‑standing team members Pami Kang and Gail Ingleson whose commitment and compassion have shaped the experience…

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Pami and Gail

Aquarius to merge with Waythrough in April 2026

Aquarius will merge with our parent charity, Waythrough, on 1 April 2026. This follows a positive long‑standing relationship and reflects our shared commitment to supporting people affected by alcohol, drugs, and gambling.  There will be no changes to the teams, or the services that you use. Aquarius services will continue to operate as part of Waythrough’s Midlands area, and the support…

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Got a question or need to talk? We’re here to listen. Reach out and we’ll get back to you.