Peterborough City Council is expected to agree a major step forward in its fight against addiction, awarding a new £25 million contract to deliver drug and alcohol treatment services across the city. Cabinet is expected to agree the contract when it meets tomorrow (Tuesday).
Following a national tender process, Change Grow Live (CGL) has been chosen to continue providing services from April 2026. The new contract will run for five years, with an option to extend for a further three, marking a major new phase in local support for people affected by substance misuse.
The deal guarantees continuity of care for residents while expanding help through a new “hub-and-spoke” model that will bring services closer to local communities. Up to 40 contact points will be set up across the city, including outreach centres and youth facilities, so people can access help more easily.
Building on a Decade of Success
CGL has worked with the council since 2015, achieving strong results and national recognition. The number of people in treatment rose from 1,522 to 1,747—a target reached a full year early. Smaller caseloads mean more one-to-one time for clients, while detox and rehabilitation places have more than doubled.
Medical innovation has also improved recovery. The use of Buvidal, a monthly injectable medicine for heroin addiction, is helping more people stay stable. Meanwhile, infection rates for Hepatitis C among clients have fallen from 44 per cent to 18 per cent in just two years, putting Peterborough close to eliminating the virus.
Public Health consultant Kathy Hartley, who led the Cabinet report, said the current service has achieved good outcomes including:
- With additional staff in place, it has been possible to reduce the average number of clients from 38 per worker in March 2022 to 27 in April 2024. This has improved quality by allowing more one-to-one time with patients.
- More patients have benefited from inpatient detox, an increase from 11 in 21/22 to 27 in 23/24 and there are 7 rehabilitation places for Peterborough where previously this could not be afforded.
- Significant progress has been made on the journey to achieve micro elimination of Hepatitis C in Peterborough. Positivity rates for Hep C have reduced from 44% to 18% in two years for clients with drug and alcohol issues.
- A new Floating Support Team is targeting around 150 drug and alcohol users who are struggling to maintain or might lose their housing and is 87
- Public Health is funding 3 posts in the Council’s Homelessness Team to support people on the housing register to engage in drug treatment in tandem with progressing their housing applications
- The Housing Support Grant has contributed to the costs of running the Homeless Health Hub at the Garden House. CGL has provided 350 visits to the Health Hub since Jan 2024. The independent review of the rough sleeper team managed by CGL found 85% of clients engaged by the team are reducing their primary drug use and 65% moved into accommodation during the period being supported.
- A new “Recovery Hub” is being offered for those who have completed their structured treatment but want facilitated mutual support to keep them free of substances and prevent a return to addiction. This is an important safe space open now 3 days per week and attended by 15- 20 people at each session.
A particularly innovative role is the Cuckooing Worker, who supports vulnerable residents targeted by drug dealers. Cuckooing happens when criminals take over the home of someone who may be struggling with addiction, mental health issues or disability, using it as a base for illegal activity. Victims can be left frightened and unsafe in their own homes.
The Cuckooing Worker partners with police to help victims regain control of their homes, protect them from exploitation, and connect them to treatment and housing support.
The new contract combines £13.4 million in council funding with £11.9 million from central government grants.
Residents seeking help with drug or alcohol issues can contact Change Grow Live Peterborough or visit https://www.changegrowlive.org/ for confidential support.
