Our Vision

What we do;

SUIT has supported vulnerable adults in Wolverhampton for over 15 years. SUIT is a peer led advocacy service and has won multiple awards and was recognised as a European model of good practice by the Street Support Project (EU) in January 2019 and by the BeTrAd (EU) in 2018. SUIT received a Queen’s award for voluntary services in 2014 for “training recovering addicts and empowering those that are suffering from addiction to move forward with their lives, contributing positively to themselves and society as a whole” as is described on the certificate signed by Her Majesty the late Queen.

SUIT assists service users with the following:

  • Accessing clinical support services and SMART group services

  • Benefits support and advice on entitlements including PIP/UC/ESA/JSA

  • Advocacy, championing the rights of vulnerable adults within the local community

  • Form filing including PIP/UC50/ESA/Housing/Job applications

  • Housing support and homeless issues

  • Access to IT facilities - UC journal/internet

  • Telephone support

  • 3rd party referrals to organisations such as RMC and Changing Lives

  • Debt advice and setting up payment plans

  • Job searches and CV writing support

  • Education and training advice

  • Buddy support, mentoring, one-to-one and group work

  • Signposting to other relevant partner organisations within the local community

  • Outreach support including home visits if necessary

Advice and guidance

We offer advice, guidance and support to both service users and associated vulnerable adults within Wolverhampton. We cover areas such as: substance misuse, education training and employment, treatment options, career pathways, recovery motivation, peer support, signposting etc.

Education, training and employment

We source and signpost relevant education, training and employment opportunities that are tailored to the needs of each individual to support their recovery programme. Each individual’s recovery is autonomous and we will work closely with each service user to ensure their goals and ambitions are met. We collaborate with organisations such as Recovery Near You, Dudley College, TOPPS Training, St Giles Trust, Job Change, Local Job Centres, BBO Bridges Programme, Talent Match, Wolverhampton Social Prescribing, Welfare Rights Service and Wolverhampton City Council.

Strategic involvement

Strategic involvement is key in ensuring that service user’s views are not just heard, but acted upon. We therefore train, encourage and support service users to attend local, regional and national strategic meetings so that their voices can make a difference to themselves and others around them. This is a key driver within our organisation.

Recreational activities

We offer a range of physical and recreational activities that aim to support and improve mental and physical well-being, as well as improving social networks. We collaborate with community partner organisations such as the Wolves Foundation Head4Health programme, Shaw Trust and Wolverhampton University to ensure that these activities remain available to our services users. We are always looking to expand our range of activities within the local community.

Volunteering SUIT

SUIT offers specific volunteering opportunities for those who can demonstrate stability within their life and recovery. In addition, we offer opportunities for anyone directly affected by addiction, whether this is a family member, carer or friend. SUIT volunteers are supported with a relapse prevention plan, regular supervisions, relevant training to obtain qualifications to achieve their personal goals and long term rehabilitation. Following an induction at the SUIT office, training will be provided both internally and externally. Opportunities include facilitating groups, providing one to one support, and offering information and guidance. In addition, volunteers may be able to support the delivery of services at New Cross Hospital, Recovery Near You (RNY) at the Recovery Hub and Clinical treatment services at Pitt Street alongside other outreach opportunities and the community.

All potential volunteers ideally need to be 6 months substance free, but will be assessed on application.

Please speak to our volunteer co-ordinator for more information

The Service User Involvement Team (SUIT) is a project that sits within Wolverhampton Voluntary & Community Action (WVCA). All paid staff and volunteers who work at SUIT have personal and first-hand lived experience of drug and/or alcohol abuse. SUIT supports Recovery Near You in the delivery of group recovery sessions, training sessions and community events.