Impact Report 2023-25

Impact

REPORT 2023-2024

Table of

CONTENTS

1 Introduction Why we are needed 2 3 Delivery of our services Monitoring and Evaluation 4 5 Outcomes 6 7 Moving forward 8 Acknowledgements Accounts

1

INTRODUCTION

PostScript360 is a charity established in 1996 that provides critical support to people withdrawing from prescription drug dependence, including benzodiazepines, Z drugs, Gabapentinoids and opiate based painkillers—whether prescribed, misused, or purchased illicitly. PostScript360’s clients fit in between prescription drug dependence and mental health illnesses. Our proven, holistic approach supports people to safely and successfully taper from drugs that are harming their health. We provide a safe space for people to talk about underlying mental illnesses, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, insomnia, trauma, and ADHD. Also, other life events such as bereavement, divorce, menopause and financial crises - basically to unload without judgment and to provide a listening ear. We address stigma and loneliness. PostScript360 empowers people to be dependence free, improve their mental health, go back to work, take up new skills, and continue with further education or volunteering.

“Benzos nearly destroyed me PostScript360 saved me”

2

WHY WE ARE NEEDED

Prescription drug dependency affects 3.9 million people in the UK (Public Health England, 2020) .

These figures do not account for people purchasing prescription drugs through unofficial sources.

Suddenly stopping benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, Gabapentinoids, or painkillers can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and in some cases fatal consequences.

Safely tapering off these medications is a complex process that can take anywhere from five months to two years.

Many people reach out to our service after experiencing a distressing or even dangerous withdrawal attempt. Others have faced misinformation, stigma, and systemic barriers that have left them without the support they need. Our goal is to provide expert guidance and compassionate support to safely withdraw from prescription dependent drugs.

“I CAN BREATHE AGAIN, I AM ME”

Needs of our clients Dependence on prescription drugs, whether obtained through legal prescriptions or other means, often coexists with other health conditions.

Among our clients, we have noted significant comorbidity rates, with: • 95% reporting anxiety disorders, • 61% reporting depression.

In addition to these high-prevalence mental health conditions, service users also reported various other health challenges: 35% ADHD 28% menopause 28% awaiting diagnosis 26% post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 24% history of sexual abuse and trauma 22% back injury 14% bipolar disorder 12% neurological disorders 9% borderline personality disorder 8% eating disorders

Additionally, challenging life circumstances—such as bereavement, divorce, work-related stress, and financial crises—often contribute to dependence. There has also been a notable rise in online purchases of prescription drugs, particularly among older adults. This trend is primarily driven by: 1. The discontinuation of prescriptions by GPs or psychiatrists.

2. Increased tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve prior effects.

3. Self-medication by young adults struggling with anxiety.

4. Long wait times for surgeries, prompting individuals to seek alternative pain management.

“your service has been a gift of life to me”

3

DELIVERY

4

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

To measure the effectiveness of our services, PostScript360 employs a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including: Regular client feedback and satisfaction surveys.

Tracking of health outcomes and tapering progress through the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS).

Assessing changes in stigma and community perceptions through pre- and postprogramme surveys.

Documenting advocacy efforts and their outcomes.

Utilising a Mood Tracker to monitor clients’ emotional well-being, social connections, and mental health indicators.

Monitoring well-being factors such as diet, sleep hygiene, housing stability, and GP visits.

5

OUR OUTCOMES

1. Telephone Support Service We handled 13,491 inbound and outbound calls—an average of 269 calls per week and 53 calls per day—marking a 24% increase from the previous year.

2. One-to-One Support A total of 490 individuals received personalised assistance, with 198 cases classified as complex. This represented a 40% increase compared to 2022-2023.

3. Group Sessions Group sessions provided a supportive community for 479 individuals to share experiences, facilitated by Recovery & Wellbeing Practitioners who assisted clients in completing their tapering plans.

4. Therapy Approximately 470 individuals (220 from Bristol and 250 from surrounding areas) benefited from group therapy sessions focused on reducing prescription drug misuse and fostering healthier living.

5. Advocacy We provided 1,400 hours of advocacy to 325 people, bridging communication gaps between service users and healthcare providers to ensure access to necessary mental health and tapering support.

6. Knowledge Sharing To enhance professional understanding of prescription drug dependence, we conducted training sessions and presented to 37 organizations and 1,100 healthcare professionals. Topics covered included prescription drug misuse, community impact, and online medication risks.

8. Social Media Campaigns Through 14 social media campaigns, we reached approximately 62,000 people, raising awareness of benzodiazepine misuse and the dangers of combining it with other substances.

9. 360 Clubs After completing our programmes, over 105 clients joined peer-led 360 Clubs across England and Wales to continue their recovery journey.

10. Success Rate 95% of clients supported by PostScript360 from April 2023 to March 2024 have either become free from dependence or have significantly reduced their prescription drug use by at least 80%.

6

ACCOUNTS

7

CASE STORIES

Making plans again "I called PostScript360 when my husband said, 'Get help, or I’m leaving with our daughter.' My dependence controlled my life—I was chasing prescriptions, taking 10mg daily from my GP and up to 50mg more from unreliable online sources.

Seeing the look in my husband’s eyes, I knew this was my last chance. I couldn’t lose my daughter. In tears, I confessed everything to my GP, who warned me about the dangers of unregulated online medication and the difficulty of withdrawal.

They recommended a drug agency or PostScript360, and I chose the latter. Having grown up with a father who struggled with addiction, I wanted a different path.

I never imagined staying with PostScript360 for 16 months, but they were with me every step. Saying goodbye, they reminded me, ‘This is a happy goodbye—you’re stronger now, and we are your past.’

Now, life is good. My daughter proudly brings friends home, my husband and I have weekly date nights, and we’re making plans for the future. Thank you, PostScript360—you helped me reclaim my life." Sue , Bath

Finding Strength, Reclaiming Love After years of struggling with PTSD and medication dependence, my life has changed—thanks to PostScript360.

This Christmas, my wife and I will renew our vows, a testament to healing and second chances.

After leaving the military, I was prescribed Lorazepam for PTSD, but when it wasn’t enough, I turned to Clonazepam. For three years, my dependence consumed me. Desperate, my wife gave me an ultimatum: get help or lose everything. That’s when I found PostScript360.

I thought I was beyond saving. They created a taper plan and provided weekly support. I was difficult—angry, sarcastic, blaming my practitioner—but they never gave up on me. They told me, ‘To fight a battle, you need to be strong—and that starts with facing your dependency.’

Six months in, my wife said, ‘Whatever PostScript360 is doing, it’s working—I’m getting my husband back.’ A year later, I’m free from benzodiazepines and getting the PTSD support I need.

PostScript360 guided me through the darkest times. You helped me find hope, love, and a future. We are renewing our marriage vows - Invitations are in the post—because you made this possible. Thank you.

—John, Bristol

8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS John James Bristol Foundation Cost Of Living Grant South Glos.

Quartet Family & friends in memory of Louise Forsey Our staff and volunteers

WE THANK YOU

FOR YOUR SUPPORT

East Wing, The Kingswood Estate Britannia Road Kingswood Bristol BS15 8DB T: 0117 9663629 E: info@postscript360.org.uk postscript360.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1056508