Chester-based charity SHARE (Registered Charity No. 1166530) have announced the launch of a dedicated new programme to support people who are homeless and battling addiction: 2nd GEAR. Built around the principles of: Growth. Empowerment. Accountability. Recovery.

2nd GEAR is a tailored addiction recovery and life coaching programme specifically created for individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative is designed to provide personalised support in a safe, understanding environment, empowering people to take meaningful steps towards recovery, independence, and long-term change. The name 2nd GEAR symbolises progress – shifting forward from a place of being stuck and building momentum in life. By reclaiming a word commonly associated with drug culture, SHARE offers a powerful message of transformation and hope.

Delivered through SHARE’s Homeless Action Centre (SHAC) at 13a Frodsham Street, Chester, 2nd GEAR offers: •One-to-one recovery coaching and addiction support •Group sessions led by peers with lived experience •Life skills training and structured goal-setting •Long-term mentoring and wraparound care

“At SHARE, we believe tackling homelessness starts with getting the basics right — that means a safe, stable roof over someone’s head. From there, people are in a much stronger position to begin addressing addictions or personal challenges. Our 2nd GEAR programme offers one-to-one coaching, peer support, and life skills training to help individuals build confidence and maintain recovery. We’re now looking for local businesses to join us in offering voluntary and paid opportunities, giving people purpose and the chance to prove themselves in the workplace.” — Adam Dandy, Founder and Chairman of SHARE.

Marcus Ting, Programme Lead and Coordinator of 2nd GEAR, added: “Recovery is a journey, and no one should have to walk it alone. At 2nd GEAR, we believe in people before their problems. We focus on potential, not the past. Every individual we work with has the strength to change their story — sometimes all they need is someone to believe in them, and a safe place to start.” This programme is designed to meet people where they are. For those who are homeless, the barriers to recovery can be overwhelming. 2nd GEAR provides a safe space, a plan, and most importantly, someone to walk that journey with them.”

SHARE’s Homeless Action Centre (SHAC) opened in January. https://thechesterblog.com/2025/01/16/share-open-new-city-centre-homeless-facility/

The centre operates with a three-pronged approach to tackling homelessness:

• 1.Housing – supporting individuals in accessing safe, secure accommodation

• 2.Addiction Support – providing recovery-focused care through programmes like 2nd GEAR

• 3.Employment – helping people rebuild confidence, gain skills, and access training and job opportunities

This holistic model ensures that SHARE can support the whole person, not just the immediate crisis — empowering individuals to move beyond homelessness for good. The programme began operating over the past three weeks, and we have already seen extremely promising signs of take-up and engagement, particularly among individuals facing severe drug and alcohol addictions.

Referrals to 2nd GEAR are now open and the programme is free to access for anyone experiencing homelessness in Chester and the surrounding area.

For more information, to refer someone, or to get involved, visit http://shareaid.co.uk or contact the SHARE Homeless Action Centre directly.