Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Watkins and Lady Mayoress, Councillor Lynn Watkins, joined the celebration at CDAS’s new Whittle Court location in Hanley.
The Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug & Alcohol Service (CDAS) welcomed special guests, including the Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, and local partners, to an open day at its Whittle Court base on Wednesday 8 October. The celebratory occasion marks a new chapter for drug and alcohol support in the city.
CDAS is commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and delivered in partnership by WithYou and BAC O’Connor. The service, which previously operated from Hope Street, moved to Whittle Court earlier this year to a space better suited to the needs of local people. Now fully settled in, the open day allowed members of the community to see how the base is providing accessible, welcoming support for anyone affected by drugs or alcohol.
The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent cut a ribbon to mark the occasion before leading a round of applause for the staff, volunteers, and service users who bring CDAS to life. Guests then toured the site and learned more about the support available, including:
- Regular drop-ins (no appointment or referral needed)
- One-to-one support from trained Recovery Workers
- Support from specialist nurses
- Recovery groups and peer support
- Creative therapies and workshops
- Support for family and friends
- Help with work, education, or housing
- Specialist young people’s support
Whittle Court has been designed as a safe, non-judgmental hub where anyone affected by drugs or alcohol can access free, confidential support built around their choices and circumstances. The space has been developed with a trauma-informed approach – ensuring people feel safe, respected, and listened to from the moment they arrive.
Councillor Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “It was a privilege to attend the CDAS open day at Whittle Court and learn more about the support that is available for residents struggling with drug and alcohol problems. Also, it was clear to see the strength of community that exists here, which is important for those who are in need of help and looking to change their lives.”
Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for health integration and wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is vital that those who are beginning their path to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can do this in a safe space and with the right support.
“These facilities at Whittle Court allow for service users to access what they need without judgement as we continue to help people to live healthier lives and reduce health inequality in the city. I encourage anybody struggling to reach out or attend a CDAS drop-in session and get the help you need.”
Vicki Nash, Head of Service Delivery at CDAS, said:
“Whittle Court has already made such a difference, giving us a home that is welcoming, accessible, and increasing our ability to respond to local need. Since launching our drop-in, we’ve seen more people than ever reaching out for support with drug and alcohol challenges. This open day has been a chance to show the strength of our community and the progress we’ve made. We’re excited to build on that momentum as we look to the future.”
