Anchor
Anchor
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Anchor - Aquarius Network Community Home Of Recovery - is a growing network of people with lived experience, families, and volunteers from across our adult services. It’s a place where every voice matters, and where we come together to share, shape, and celebrate what recovery truly looks like.
Whether you’ve accessed support at Aquarius, supported a loved one, volunteered your time, or work within the team, Anchor is your space to be heard, get involved, and help create better services for everyone.
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
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)
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
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
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)
What we do
We meet monthly to connect, listen, and take action. These meetings give people the chance to speak up, offer ideas, and influence how services are developed at both a local and regional level.
From shaping policies to planning events, Anchor is where real change happens. It’s about listening to the people who know best those with lived experience and working together to make our services stronger, more responsive and more inclusive.
At Anchor we:
Share best practice and experiences across Aquarius.
Help shape policies and support materials.
Represent the Anchor community at board meetings and leadership forums.
Facilitate local and regional discussions.
Plan and run recovery events, including our annual celebration.
Build friendships and community along the way.
Why it matters
Anchor has already made a huge impact.
We’ve influenced how services are delivered across the Midlands.
We’ve contributed to national conversations on addiction, recovery and lived experience. We’ve helped people build skills, grow in confidence, and feel part of something bigger. And we’re just getting started.
Want to get involved?
If you’ve got something to say, we want to hear it.
If you’re passionate about recovery, we want to work with you.
And if you’re looking for connection, Anchor is here.
To find out more, speak to your Aquarius worker or contact here.
Together, we’re creating services that work – for everyone.