Here are a selection of comments made by Swanswell’s service users about Swanswell. This includes what people say about our service user groups.

"In a matter of weeks my confidence was building and I am coping with life without drugs thanks to the Swanswell team. I would be lost without your help. I have not found good quality therapy in years. Swanswell has helped me get my life back on track". J

"You don’t need to have a reason for coming to the project, they welcome anybody at any time. Knowing this gives you a sense of security. I have been clean from heroin for 12 months now, the project has always been there for me especially the times when my addiction was at its worse. The project played a big part in my progress, they deserve a medal". S

"Staff and people are friendly. You don’t need to make an appointment, you can talk to anyone of the staff and they will help". C

"Before coming to Swanswell I would stay home and lock out the world. They have taken me in trips and walks showing me there is so much more to life than inside my home and a life on drugs. The walks and trips and the center have give my life focus and I thank them for there help. Long may it continue". W

"Since being a long time regular user of this excellent service I can only look back with thanks and gratitude for all the help the staff have provided for myself and others. As a user of other services that are available to me Swanswell without a doubt is second to none". T

"I’ve been clean from class A drugs for 9 months now. I’m sure I couldn’t have done it on my own". M

"I come regularly to the group because it’s very informative. It's a good start to the week. I look forward to participating in the group, the group shares experiences and knowledge which can be useful and the therapies are very relaxing. I have also attended training with drug workers and shared my experiences." I

"It's the first time in my experience of being in treatment that my opinion has been asked." P

"Be part of the process." I

"[When attending service user groups] refreshments are available. Tea, coffee, juice and biccies are available as is a break half way through. Bus fares are refunded, which is a big help!" S

"My first ever group there were six others there, by others I mean service users, trying to stay clean. They were friendly and not what I expected at all. Rather than sat moaning about how much the world owed them, they all gave Steve Cox (the main man who runs the groups at Birmingham) their opinions and ideas and other relevant stuff, like the newsletter, how good or bad they find their treatment and care plans, job opps, college, all things we as service users can come up against. Without the support [of the Swanswell service user group], or other services in Birmingham, we'd find it pretty hard to get past these things. So there's a place that you can come and be part of each week that offers a safe place to air your views and find support and common ground with people in the same position as yourself. Some may be further down the line, some may not but you are never judged no matter where or who you are.

Most of all it's a place where you are respected and heard and your input is valued. Since being part of the group, I've gone on to be part of a research into addiction team. I'm doing my level 2 drug awareness. I helped at a stall at the drug treatment directory launch party and I've met and become friends with so many people who have had similar experiences and been where I once was. It’s so encouraging to be part of getting well together rather than getting high with them. Today I'm busy, I'm happy but mostly I'm proud." S

"There is a list of therapies to be had in a relaxing environment such as Acupuncture, Reiki, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology." S