Our story
Our story started in 1967 with a simple plea from our founder, Mollie Craven - to help each other.
Mollie’s son was addicted to heroin by the age of 18. Feeling powerless to help, she wrote an article for The Guardian which was published on 24 February 1967.
“We parents of addicts are a neglected and ignored group,” she wrote. “I would like to appeal to everyone interested in this agonising problem to form an association.
“We can help each other, we can help with research into the problem and its origin and cure,” she continued. “In many ways we can help each other's children where we cannot help our own.”
In Molly’s search for support, she started APA – Association for Parents of Addicts, also known as Association for the Prevention of Addiction.
We can help each other, we can help with research into the problem and its origin and cure
– Mollie Craven
Initially APA was very small. It delivered drop-in services funded by donations and grants in the South East of England. It offered a safe, non-judgemental place to go for tea, empathy and counselling.
That small support group became Addaction and we grew significantly to cover England and Scotland. In 2017 we celebrated our 50th year.
We are With You
In early 2020 we rebranded and changed our name to With You.
Our name reflects who we are – a positive place where people can progress, connect with others and get friendly, expert help. It lets people know that we will work alongside them and treat them with warmth, compassion and respect.
We now have 80 local services in England and Scotland. We support people with drug, alcohol and mental health issues, and their friends and family.
We deliver services face to face, online, in the community, in schools and in prisons.
Wherever we meet people we work with them on their own goals in a way that’s right for them.
Our founder Mollie Craven
