In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Jai and Nikki from Nightingales Recovery CIC to hear about the incredible work they’re doing across Wirral to support people affected by addiction, homelessness, loneliness and poverty. From providing affordable, nutritious meals to creating safe spaces for recovery, Nightingales is helping people rebuild their lives with dignity, community and absolutely no judgement. About this episodeNightingales Recovery CIC is a community-led recovery organisation based in Birkenhead, supporting people affected by drug and alcohol addiction while also helping anyone who needs food, companionship or a safe place to turn. As Jai explains in the episode, their approach goes far beyond addiction support. Nightingales helps people who are homeless, people struggling financially, people experiencing loneliness and those simply looking for somewhere welcoming where they can ask for help without feeling judged. A huge part of that work is food. Twice a week, Nightingales opens its doors in the evening and provides more than 100 people with a hot meal, snacks, fruit, water and soup. Their message is simple: they don’t just feed the homeless — they feed the hungry. That can include people sleeping rough, people in recovery and even people who are working but simply cannot afford to cover the basics. Nikki Hayward, founder and director of Nightingales Recovery CIC, also shares how the project began after people using local drug and alcohol services said they desperately needed a safe place where they could meet, connect and work towards recovery. What started with a tiny café selling inexpensive food and drinks has grown into a much wider recovery community offering support groups, wellbeing activities, access to fitness facilities, recovery services and therapeutic support. The episode also explores the growing impact of ketamine addiction among young people, something Nikki says Nightingales is increasingly seeing first-hand. They discuss the devastating physical effects, the impact on families and the need for specialist support for young people and their parents. Nightingales works hard to make accessing support feel as normal and welcoming as possible. Rather than walking into a clinical environment, someone struggling with addiction can simply visit one of the cafés, have a coffee and quietly ask a member of staff for help or an assessment. Many members of the team are themselves recovery champions, having come through services before going on to work within the organisation — giving Nightingales the lived experience that sits at the heart of its approach. The episode also looks at the organisation’s social enterprise model. Rather than relying entirely on donations, money spent in its cafés helps support its wider community and recovery work. So even something as simple as buying a coffee, lunch or one of their homemade dog treats can contribute to the work they’re doing. Nightingales Recovery Café and Hub can be found at: 88–90 Argyle StreetBirkenheadWirralCH41 6AGThere are also café locations in West Kirby and at Victoria Central Hospital in Wallasey. Nightingales Hub is also recognised as part of the wider Wirral Ways drug and alcohol recovery network. Find out more about Nightingales Recovery:Website:https://nightingalesrecovery.org.uk/Follow Nightingales Recovery on Facebook and Instagram for updates, support information and fundraising. Support Nightingales RecoveryNightingales relies on community support to continue providing hot meals, recovery services, emotional support and a safe, welcoming space for people facing addiction, homelessness, isolation and financial hardship. The team is also working to develop its Gather & Graze space, helping create more opportunities for community activities, wellbeing sessions and events that can support the wider work of Nightingales Recovery. If you’d like to support their work, you can donate via their GoFundMe: GoFundMe – Support Nightingales Recovery’s Amazing Work:https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nightingales-recoveryEvery donation, no matter the size, helps Nightingales continue supporting people across Wirral who need food, connection and a route into recovery. Topics in this episode: Nightingales Recovery CIC, Nightingales Recovery Café, addiction recovery, drug and alcohol support, Wirral recovery services, Birkenhead, West Kirby, ketamine addiction, youth addiction, homelessness, food poverty, community support, mental health, recovery champions, lived experience, affordable food, social enterprise, wellbeing support, drug rehabilitation, alcohol recovery and community fundraising.
