Published on: 9 December 2025
A specialist drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service is stepping up its support to local people following its move to a new and improved hub in Tamworth.
STaRS (Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery System) has opened its doors at its newly relocated hub located at The Whitehouse on Church Street. The move marks a significant investment in high-quality, accessible support for people experiencing difficulties with their own, or someone else’s use of drugs or alcohol.
STaRS is delivered by Inclusion, a specialist service of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), in partnership with Staffordshire County Council. The service works collaboratively with BAC O’Connor, Better Way Recovery and Chase Recovery to provide a whole-system approach to treatment and recovery. The aims of the system are to enhance existing services and move away from focusing primarily on addiction, to a service that focuses on the wider needs and aspirations of people impacted by drugs and/ or alcohol.
Co-locating with Better Way Recovery, the new premises provides a safe, modern and welcoming environment for people in central Tamworth, making it a much more accessible space for people accessing services.
Alongside structured one-to-one support, STaRS also provides personalised assessments, peer support, medical support, relapse prevention and interventions to reduce harm.
Jon Shorrock, Partnership Lead at STaRS said: “I am delighted to be able to share that the new premises in Tamworth are now open and people with drug and alcohol needs, and those affected, are able to access support there. The building itself is impressive and reflects how much we value staff and people who use our services.
“Bringing both treatment and recovery services together under one roof means people receive seamless support that better meets their needs, helping them achieve stronger outcomes. The prominent position in central Tamworth will bring a positive energy and undoubtedly challenge stigma.
“The credit for delivering a building on time that is modern, clean, fresh and has a welcoming look and feel all goes to Better Way Recovery, ably supported by Inclusion/ MPFT colleagues. The project is a fine example of partnership working and how voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) and statutory services can achieve great things when they play to their strengths.
“We feel that the new premises will deliver quality services for years to come and is already bearing fruit with new people presenting for support. Please come and visit us – we are keen to share the resource and develop positive partnerships.”
STaRS welcomed local stakeholders and organisations to the new hub on 5 December to celebrate the future of treatment and recovery in Tamworth and the wider Staffordshire community