The DCM Advocates (formerly ByMySide) are a Derby City Mission project working with Derby Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services.

The project is aimed at those with substance misuse issues and a history of rough sleeping or who are at high risk of being evicted. The team work intensively with the clients as their advocates and spend time building trust and act as a surrogate family as they often have little or no family support.

Due to their chaotic lifestyles, rough sleepers are rarely able to access detox or rehab so we are determined to give our clients the best chance of successful recovery by taking a holistic approach and showing them that change is possible. We have a daily light touch drop-in Recovery Programme and use a variety of techniques, including a wide range of activities and interests for our clients to build
their confidence and demonstrate they have a future post-recovery.

This project has really been good for me, and the activities they put on make me feel normal again and reminds me of the things I used to do. This project is definitely helping with my addiction and keeping me on track and in treatment.

We are already seeing God moving powerfully in the lives of our clients, and we are excited to see what He will do next. Take a look at how the DCM Advocates have already begun to make an impact on lives here.