Charity of The Week - Double Impact

Who are Double Impact?

Double Impact are a substance misuse charity who operate out of Nottingham city centre to support people who struggle with addiction. The charity was founded in 1996 by Graham Miller (now CEO) and founding member and former drug user Tony Herbert. The organisation partner with other agencies such as colleges and gyms to provide a holistic treatment model for those wanting to recover from drug and alcohol issues in the Nottingham and its surrounding areas.

Double Impact aim to rebuild lives devastated by addiction. Drug and alcohol addiction affects people from all walks of life and the reasons behind it can often be complex. Research now shows that in many cases, it is a response to childhood trauma or difficult life events. Their service users have often lost their home, their health, their job, family, friends, confidence and hope. People can remain caught up in a vicious cycle of addiction, problems, shame and guilt. 

Created and run by Double Impact, Cafe Sobar is a social enterprise located on Friar lane in the heart of Nottingham city centre. The inviting cafe is not only a popular spot for tasty food and drink in the city but also acts as a safe social space for people in recovery and their families and friends. The venue is entirely alcohol free and also offers work placements for service users to gain confidence and employment skills. You can find out more about Cafe Sobar and everything they offer here.

We asked Double Impact about how they support people who use their service and how they've been operating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what they said: 

"People are currently supported by specific Zoom support groups such as relapse prevention, emotional management and creative groups that are co facilitated with the NHS and Framework Housing Association.

Double Impact are also running COVID health initiative called Run, Ramble or Roll for Recovery encouraging as many people as possible to join in, by setting a personal fitness challenge to be completed throughout February, and to try and raise some money through JustGiving. It’s easy to get involved as people can set your own level of challenge and take part in any number of ways."

If the important work that Double Impact do in Nottingham is something you'd like to support then there are a few ways you can help. 

Donations - You can make a direct donation to the charity on their website. 

Spread the word  - Help raise awareness by sharing updates on your social media channels. 

Pop into Cafe Sobar - All profits generated by Cafe Sobar go directly to the charity. Please note that the venue is currently closed due to COVID-19 but plans to reopen once government restrictions are lifted.

If you'd like to find out more about Double impact you can contact them using any of the information below: 

Website: www.doubleimpact.org.uk/

Tel: 0115 824 0366

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SobarNottingham