New Start is an agency for people aged 17-30 years old experiencing problems with their drug use. New Start is based in Wythenshawe and is an independent charity which is not part of the NHS or any other statutory agencies.

There is no waiting list. We accept referrals from any source and try to see people straight away.

We provide safe, relaxed and non-judgemental services such as...

Diversion from Custody Options:

New Start trust will assess individual needs and design personal plans to meet the needs of the courts at bail, community sentence and supervision stages. Once a contract of attendance is agreed, counselling staff will record attendance, keep the supervising probation officer informed of progress and on completion of the contract with the project provide verbal/written reports on progress to date and plans for the immediate future.

Daycare Project:

This project offers a range of varied options. A lunchtime project operates on a daily basis, Monday to Friday. The drop-in does not operate on Monday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, otherwise access to laundry facilities and practical advice, e.g.: welfare rights, help with accommodation and counselling are all available upon request. Each Wednesday, the project is geared up to delivering positive use of leisure time which would include sports, outdoor pursuits and arts and crafts. We cater for 17-30 year olds, but on Fridays we try to be more flexible and encourage people over 30 to use the services.

Groupwork Programme :

Each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, a range of groupwork sessions are delivered. Subjects for groupwork cover a wide area of special interests and are designed to empower groupwork participants to make positive changes in their lives. How to assert yourself in difficult situations, dealing with conflict, improving problem solving and decision making skills, plus many other areas of interest and self development.

Education and Employment Link Project :

Designed to support and facilitate that difficult move out of drug/offending related activities and into the community. Advice on how to access educational courses, voluntary work, employment and identify difficulties that may be encountered on the way and how to overcome obstacles that at times seem immovable. Voluntary and paid work can affect benefits and advice is available regarding this.

A Needle Exchange :

Operates Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. This service is non- judgemental and totally confidential. Service users have access to clean equipment, condoms, sharps boxes, general advice and each Monday afternoon, space within the project to explore health issues, e.g.: weekly viewing of a safer injecting video. Between 10am and 3pm a nurse is available for general health care, advice and information.

If you wish to make a referral, please contact Sarah Hamilton or Steve Boardman at the address below.

Send your comments and queries to Chorlton Workshop

This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and supported by
Manchester Telematics and Telework Partnership (MTTP).