Derby Family Drug and Alcohol Safeguarding Service
DerbyFamily Drug and Alcohol Safeguarding Service
Supporting parents, carers and families to build stronger futures.
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Here To Help
We support people across Derby affected by drug or alcohol use whether it’s their own or someone else’s. Our focus is whole-family recovery helping you reduce harm, strengthen relationships, and take positive steps forward.
You don’t need to manage this on your own. Whether you're a parent, carer, or family member, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on, explore healthier ways to cope, and find the support that’s right for you.
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)
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
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
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
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
What we offer
We provide free, confidential, person-centered support to people across Derby. This includes in-person sessions in community locations, outreach support, and virtual appointments.
We understand that substance use doesn’t happen in isolation. It affects relationships, families, and every part of daily life. That’s why we take a whole family approach. We help people reduce risk, build recovery skills, and access support for wider needs like housing, debt, or parenting challenges.
We also run a monthly peer group for family members at Thrivemind Café, a welcoming, supportive space to connect with others who’ve shared similar experiences. It’s a safe and supportive space to connect with others who’ve been through similar experiences.
For parents facing more complex challenges or involvement with Children’s Social Care, we also offer an intensive 12-week programme to help you reach key goals and improve family outcomes.
In 2025/2026, we saw over 79% of clients in Derby after a referral was made. Of those, 72% successfully completed their treatment with the national average being 46%.
Who we support
Parents or carers who want help to reduce or stop using drugs or alcohol and would like support building their insight and protective factors to reduce any harms posed by parental substance use.
Adults affected by someone else’s substance use this might be a partner, parent, sibling, child or friend
Kinship carers
Parents who have any level of safeguarding intervention including social care or who may have emerging needs around their substance use
Expectant parents and/or partners who are using substances or at risk of returning to use
Foster carers or those supporting others affected by addiction
Peer groups to build recovery networks
Right For You
We offer regular family days and events that bring people together in a safe, welcoming space. For parents-to-be, our substance use awareness sessions provide a chance to learn more about staying safe, making healthy choices, and giving their baby the best start. We also run tailored workshops for professionals, helping those who support families to better understand the impact of parental substance use and how to respond with confidence and care.
You’ll be matched with a dedicated family worker who’ll take time to understand your situation and help shape the support around your goals. We’ll also help you connect with other services that might be helpful, from mental health to financial advice.
Get In Touch
You can self-refer or ask a professional to contact us on your behalf.
Email: derby@aquarius.org.uk
Phone: 01332 362744
Address: Sinfin Family Hub, 345 Sinfin Lane, Derby, DE24 9SF