2026 Norfolk Substance Misuse Service Updates

Interested in the latest news from our Next Steps & Next Steps for Veterans Teams? You're in the right place.

Read on for fresh updates from Recovery Support Programme Manager Fae Catchpole and Military Veterans Recovery Worker Peter Gallagher, based in the first and only post-treatment recovery service for substance misuse in Norfolk.

Next Steps Team Updates

Recovery Support Programme (RSP) News

The second cohort of 2026 has now graduated from our RSP! It's a wonderful feeling to see another group pass through the programme; we feel proud and honoured to play a part in their recovery.

Members attended the centre twice a week over an eight-week period, completing therapeutic recovery work alongside a range of activities, such as:

• Art

• Meditation

• Mindfulness

• Restoration

These helped to build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.

Members and volunteers also attend the allotment twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. They take part in a number of activities, including planting, maintenance, and seasonal growing activities, which support wellbeing and provide an opportunity to connect with each other.

Progress in The Allotment

April and May have been lively, productive months, with real energy and teamwork across the allotment.

At the corner plot, huge progress has been made on the polytunnel thanks to a brilliant group effort, from ground preparation and creative reuse of materials to assembling the frame and planning access.

The shed and fruit tree area has also been cleared and transformed, even earning the quiet approval of our resident robin.

Planting has gathered pace, with potatoes, carrots, brassicas, onions, garlic and plenty of salads sown or planted. Peas and broad beans are thriving under cloches, while beans and flowers have been started in pots, often alongside good conversation. Creative problem‑solving has been everywhere, including up‑cycled bean frames and makeshift watering solutions.

Over at the summerhouse plot, salads, onions, garlic and broad beans are looking strong, seating is well used, and hopes are high for the first rhubarb harvest. Across the site, tidying, painting and shared care are creating a welcoming space.

The enthusiasm and shared ownership on display bodes very well for the months ahead!

New Staff and Volunteers

Over the last few months, we've welcomed in new staff and volunteers, including Next Steps members who have decided to get stuck in working with us.

19 inspiring new starters across the organisation had their induction in April, which was a valuable chance to learn more about TMP, discussing drugs, alcohol, and safeguarding, and hearing from managers on what we've been up to so far this year.

Next Steps for Veterans Team Updates

Veterans Café

We have seen great attendance at our Veterans Café each Tuesday, taking place at TMP HQ on Oak Street. It remains a warm and welcoming space for veterans to come together and speak openly with people who have shared lived experiences.

Lowestoft NSFV Group

Due to the demise of the charity Access.org, Sam's Café Lowestoft has closed indefinitely, which is great shame.

As a result, we have relocated the Lowestoft drop-in to The Lord Kitchener’s Guest House, who are happy for us to use the facility. We still meet on the first and third Thursday of the month.

Royal British Legion (RBL) Event

Several of us attended a Second World War RBL presentation by a leading criminologist. This was a brilliant talk enjoyed by all, full of interesting findings about key war figures.

Discover More: Norfolk Substance Misuse Service Updates

We hope you enjoyed a brief overview of the incredible work going on at TMP as we emerge into summer.

Keen to learn more? Browse our website for more information here.

Or if you're in need of our support, give our team a call on 01603 626123 / email us at [email protected] to find out how you might take your next steps in recovery.