Chester charity launches program to support homeless in addiction recovery
SHARE has now launched its brand new programme dedicated to supporting people who are homeless and battling addiction.
The Chester-based charity revealed '2nd GEAR' had been built around the principles of growth, empowerment, accountability and recovery.
Specifically created for individuals experiencing homelessness, '2nd Gear' is a tailored addiction recovery and life-coaching programme.
The initiative is designed to provide personalised support in a safe, understanding environment, to empower people to take meaningful steps towards recovery, independence, and long-term change.
The name '2nd GEAR' symbolises progress – shifting forward from a place of being stuck and building momentum in life.
By reclaiming a word commonly associated with drug culture, SHARE seeks to offer a message of transformation and hope.
Delivered through SHARE's Homeless Action Centre (SHAC), the scheme offers one-to-one recovery coaching and addiction support, group sessions led by peers with lived experience, life skills training and structured goal-setting: along with long-term mentoring and wraparound care.
Founder Adam Dandy said: "At SHARE, we believe tackling homelessness starts with getting the basics right — that means a safe, stable roof over someone's head.
"From there, people are in a much stronger position to begin addressing addictions or personal challenges.
"Our 2nd GEAR programme offers one-to-one coaching, peer support, and life skills training to help individuals build confidence and maintain recovery.
"We're now looking for local businesses to join us in offering voluntary and paid opportunities, giving people purpose and the chance to prove themselves in the workplace."
Marcus Ting, of Inspiring Futures CIC, will also be collaborating on this initiative as the programme lead of 2nd GEAR.
He added: "Recovery is a journey, and no one should have to walk it alone.
"At 2nd GEAR, we believe in people before their problems. We focus on potential, not the past. Every individual we work with has the strength to change their story — sometimes all they need is someone to believe in them, and a safe place to start.
"This programme is designed to meet people where they are. For those who are homeless, the barriers to recovery can be overwhelming.
"2nd GEAR provides a safe space, a plan, and most importantly, someone to walk that journey with them."
SHARE's Homeless Action Centre (SHAC) operates with a three-pronged approach to tackling homelessness.
This includes housing, where individuals are supported in accessing safe, secure accommodation, along with addiction support where recovery-focused care is provided through programmes such as 2nd GEAR.
Employment is also a key factor, helping people rebuild confidence, gain skills, and access training and job opportunities.
This holistic model ensures that SHARE can support the whole person, not just the immediate crisis, therefore empowering individuals to move beyond homelessness for good.
Since its launch, the team have reported "extremely promising signs of take-up and engagement", particularly among individuals facing severe drug and alcohol addictions.
Referrals to 2nd GEAR are now open and the programme is free to access for anyone experiencing homelessness in Chester and the surrounding area.
For more information, to refer someone, or to get involved, visit here or contact the SHARE Homeless Action Centre directly.
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