A Stockport grandfather has shared how support from the local drug and alcohol service helped him transform his life and become an award-winning volunteer. Les Wyatt, 68, from Brinnington, has now been sober for three years and supports others in their recovery through the same service that helped him. The service is run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Acorn Recovery, and Intuitive Thinking Skills. His contribution to the community was recently recognised with a Mayor's Award for volunteering.
Les spent most of his adult life drinking socially, regularly meeting friends, family, and colleagues at the pub on evenings and weekends. At the time, drinking was normalised and never felt like a problem. Les explained: "I saw myself as a 'good drinker' because I never got angry or aggressive as some people do, and I always knew when I'd had enough. Going to the pub was just a way of life, so I never worried about how often I was drinking – it felt like everyone else was doing it, so why would it affect me?"
Over time, what began as a habit gradually became dependence, but even then, Les struggled to think of himself as an 'alcoholic'. "You have an image in your head of someone stumbling around the streets or waiting outside the pub doors before it opens. That wasn't me. I still had a job and was functioning well in my day-to-day life."
A turning point came when Les retired and struggled with the sudden lack of structure and purpose in his life. With little else to fill his time, Les began drinking more, and his physical health suffered as a result, leaving him far less active. He relied on a mobility scooter and eventually reached a point where he felt he had given up. He explained: "Everything spiralled very quickly. Before I knew it, I was having glasses of wine at six in the morning. I knew it wasn't right, but I couldn't stop."
His wife told him to speak to his GP, and shortly after his initial assessment, Les was referred to Stockport drug and alcohol service. In his own words, "the rest was history." He immediately felt at ease with the team and safe to be open about his experience. Les said: "From the very start, the team were amazing. There was no judgement, and I felt comfortable, understood, and accepted."
Group sessions were also key to his recovery. He explained: "It was like a lightbulb moment for me when I realised I was in the same boat as everyone else. Hearing other people's stories was really comforting and encouraging because you realise you're not alone." With the team's guidance and support, Les completed rehabilitation and has now been sober for over three years. He is back to taking walks and "getting out and about" – something he never believed would be possible. He added: "I genuinely never thought there would be a day I could go without a drink. I feel healthier, fitter, and more active – it's like I'm a new man. I couldn't have done this without the service. I can't thank them enough."
After completing his treatment, Les was determined to give back to the service and community that had supported him, undertaking training to develop the skills needed to support others on their own recovery journeys. Today, Les volunteers regularly at Stockport drug and alcohol service, welcoming people with a friendly smile, chat, or cup of tea, offering reassurance to those taking their first steps into recovery. Les said: "That first step through the door can be the hardest. I just want people to know they're not on their own. If I only make a positive difference to one person's life, then it will all have been worth it."
He also helps run a men's support group in Brinnington and volunteers with Age UK, using his lived experience to support others. His dedication and compassion were recognised with a Mayor's Award, celebrating his outstanding community spirit and the support he provides. For Les, however, the real reward is helping others find the same hope he did. He wants people of his own generation, especially, to know it's never too late to change your life. He said: "I didn't seek help until I was in my late sixties – if my story helps someone get support earlier, that means everything to me. I'm living my best life now, and I'd encourage anyone who thinks it's too late to have belief in themselves again. Get help if you need it."
Amanda Tang, team manager of Stockport drug and alcohol service, added: "We are all so incredibly proud of Les and the journey he has taken – and of the difference he continues to make for others. His story shows there is always hope for those who may be struggling. If you feel you need support, please reach out."
How to get support
Stockport drug and alcohol service provides support for people aged 26 and over who are experiencing physical or psychological dependence on alcohol, prescribed medication, over-the-counter medication, or illicit substances. The service offers one-to-one support and group workshops to help people progress in their recovery, alongside community and inpatient detoxification programmes, and access to residential rehabilitation. Referrals can be made through the independent Stockport Triage and Referral Team (START), which provides an initial assessment and directs people to the most appropriate treatment. To find out more, call 0161 474 3141.
