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The term "Warrior Down" observed by many Indigenous communities in North America, is a profound spiritual and cultural tradition rooted in the act of honouring warriors—whether those who have fallen in battle or individuals enduring hardship and trauma. This practice is deeply connected to Indigenous beliefs about community, spirituality, and the sanctity of life. "Warrior Down" serves as both a literal and symbolic call to uplift those who have fallen, embodying the community’s collective responsibility for supporting the well-being of its members.
In Indigenous cultures, the term "warrior" extends beyond just combatants or soldiers. It represents anyone who demonstrates courage, service, and dedication to the protection and care of their people. In times of conflict, fallen warriors were revered for their sacrifice and bravery, with ceremonies performed to ensure a peaceful spiritual transition. These rituals, which varied among tribes, often included prayers, songs, and offerings, highlighting the deep connection between the living and the spirit world.
Today, the "Warrior Down" concept has evolved to address contemporary challenges within Indigenous communities, such as trauma, addiction, and systemic violence. Many modern Warrior Down programs focus on healing and recovery, offering support to those affected by addiction, incarceration, or mental health struggles. These initiatives integrate traditional healing practices, community engagement, and cultural teachings, viewing individuals in need as "fallen warriors" whose spirits must be restored through collective effort.
In this way, we continue to reflect core Indigenous values, blending ancient customs with modern solutions to promote healing, resilience, and the strength of the community.
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“Harnessing the strength of lived experience to promote healing, resilience and recovery by fostering compassionate communities.”:
We are committed to creating a stigma-free society where people with lived experience are valued, respected, and integral to the recovery process. Our holistic approach combines peer support, education, and resource navigation, ensuring that each person’s recovery journey is personalised and supported at every step. We actively collaborate with healthcare providers, community organisations, and stakeholders to build a more compassionate system of care, where lived experience is recognised as a powerful catalyst for change.
We strive to inspire hope, break down barriers, and help individuals reclaim their lives, fostering long-term recovery and creating stronger, healthier communities.
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We envision a caring, compassionate and stigma free community where everybody has the opportunity to recover and improve their life.
We are a compassionate, inclusive, and stigma-free service that centers the voices of individuals with lived experience of SUD (substance use disorder), offending histories, severe/moderate mental illness and other life challenges which often lead to social exclusion. Our goal is to empower people through peer-led support, advocacy, and harm reduction strategies designed to meet their unique needs. By fostering trust, respect, and dignity, we aim to dismantle barriers to care, promote overall well-being, and drive meaningful change. Embracing the real-life experiences of those with complex needs, we aspire to create a world where everyone is supported in reaching their personal goals without judgment or discrimination.
Meet the team
Sam Davidson - WAF Operations Manager
Sam is an empathetic and skilled Operations Manager with a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience. Drawing from her own recovery journey, she effectively leads programs supporting individuals facing mental health challenges or addiction. Sam excels in operational leadership, overseeing daily operations, coordinating peer-led initiatives, and fostering inclusive, compassionate services. Her dedication and resilience drive her mission to create meaningful impact in the recovery and mental health support community.
Richard Hancock - Lancashire Operations Manager
Richard is a dedicated Operations Manager who combines professional expertise with lived experience to lead recovery-focused programs. Drawing from his personal recovery journey, he designs and manages compassionate, inclusive services for individuals facing mental health challenges or addiction. Richard oversees daily operations, facilitates peer-led initiatives, and ensures organisational efficiency, driven by empathy and resilience to create lasting impact in the recovery support community.
David initially established The Well Communities CIC in 2012 with his own money and subsequently formed The Warrior Down LERO CIC in 2019 with key regional people whom also hold strong LERO ethics and values. Dave Ex PPO and former drug & alcohol addiction and survivor of Trauma, after Spending over 25 years in addiction, and in that time, spent more time in prison than he did in the community. Dave achieved recovery in prison in 2005 and has been a champion of Lived Experience ever since. Dave with other colleagues Set up the College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations in 2020 uniting and creating a movement, a set of standards and providing a voice for LEROs across the UK.
David Higham - CEO & Founder
Sharon Mullen - Housing Operations Manager
Sharon has worked in service user involvement and peer-led services since 2014, using hir lived experience to inform her work, whether previously as a peer mentor in the Furness Peninsular and stints as both a Recovery Worker and a Supported Housing Operations Manager throughout Cumbria or in her current role for The Warrior Down LEO CIC. She is passionate about embedding the voice of lived experience in the wider treatment system and developing peer-led projects in partnership with that system to improve the health and wellbeing of people struggling with a substance use disorder.
Stacey Bailey - Volunteer Coordinator
As The Warrior Down LERO CIC Volunteer Coordinator, Stacey plays a vital role in supporting individuals on their recovery journey. Stacey recruits, trains, and manages volunteers with personal experience of substance use and recovery, empowering them to provide peer support and inspiration to others. Stacey's role involves developing volunteer programs, delivering training, and ensuring volunteers feel valued and supported.
Kelly Dargue - Criminal Justice Volunteer
Kelly uses personal experience of substance use, recovery, and involvement in the criminal justice system to support individuals facing similar challenges. She works closely with clients, providing peer support, mentorship, and advocacy to promote recovery and reduce reoffending. Kelly's role involves collaborating with criminal justice agencies, probation services, and treatment providers to develop pathways to rehabilitation. This approach fosters trust, reduces stigma, and inspires hope through lived experience.
Jane Carter - Female Recovery Support Volunteer
Jane offers tailored support to women experiencing challenges related to drug and alcohol use by offering a safe, non-judgmental space to address substance misuse, mental health, trauma, and related issues. Delivering one-to-one support and facilitating group sessions, she works collaboratively to ensure holistic care, empowering women to regain control of their lives.
Gary Hibbert - FAMA Westmorland and Furness Volunteer
Gary assists individuals in connecting with and participating in mutual aid groups for addiction recovery. He helps participants navigate the process of finding appropriate groups, offers information on various support options, and creates a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. His role includes organizing meetings, providing encouragement, and facilitating connections between participants. Gary is essential in helping individuals build a supportive community, share experiences, and motivate each other throughout their recovery journeys, fostering lasting, positive change.
Ashleigh Carr - Service User Involvement Volunteer
With many years recovery Ashleigh's lived experience perfectly complements her role as The Warrior Down LERO CIC Service User Involvement lead. Ashleigh plays a key role in empowering individuals with lived experience of addiction and recovery. Ashleigh ensures service users have a voice in shaping services, policies, and initiatives, promoting inclusivity and meaningful engagement. Ashleigh's role involves coordinating activities, gathering feedback, and fostering collaboration between service users and stakeholders. With strong communication and advocacy skills, they challenge stigma, inspire change, and support individuals on their recovery journey, helping to create lasting, positive outcomes
Barrie Coleman - FAMA North Lancashire Volunteer
Barrie supports individuals in accessing and engaging with mutual aid groups for addiction recovery. He guides participants through the process of finding suitable groups, provides information about different support options, and ensures a welcoming, inclusive environment. Barrie's role involves organising meetings, offering encouragement, and fostering connections among participants. Barrie plays a vital role in helping individuals build community, share experiences, and support one another on their recovery journeys, promoting sustained positive change.