Published on: 14th May 2026
A local man has spoken about how support from Stockport drug and alcohol service transformed his life and inspired him to help those facing similar challenges.
Les Wyatt, 68, who lives in Brinnington, spent most of his adult life drinking socially, having his first experiences with alcohol as a teenager. He would regularly meet friends, family and colleagues in the pub for a drink 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 true turning point came with retirement, where Les found himself struggling 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 started relying on a mobility scooter to get around 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 soon after his initial assessment, Les had been referred to Stockport drug and alcohol service, run by ourselves in partnership with Acorn Recovery and Intuitive Thinking Skills.
In his own words, “the rest was history”. He immediately felt at ease with the team, and safe to be truly open about his experience: “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 went on to complete rehabilitation treatment and has now been sober for over three years and is back to taking walks and “getting out and about” - something he never believed would be possible.
“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 and had training to gain skills 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 a 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 co‑runs a men’s support group in Brinnington and volunteers with Age UK, using his lived experience to encourage and help others. His dedication and compassion have recently been recognised with a Mayor’s Award, celebrating his outstanding community spirit and the support he provides to men in the local area.
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, service 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 interventions for people (aged 26+) with a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol and/or prescribed, over the counter and illicit substances.
They offer one-to-one support and workshop programs to help people progress in their recovery. They also offer community-based detoxification programs, and inpatient detoxification programs and access to residential rehabilitation.
Referrals can be made through the independent Stockport Triage and Referral Team (START) who provide an initial assessment and signposting to treatment. Contact 0161 474 3141 to find out more.