BAC-IN
‘In all walks of life we frame our understandings based on the lens we apply and the
lives we have lived’
Who we are
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BAC-IN is an award-winning specialist drug and alcohol recovery service dedicated to empowering seldom engaged individuals, families, young adults and caregivers from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. Founded in 2003 by individuals in recovery, our grassroots organization embodies the spirit of community, resilience and heart-centred principles of lived experience leadership. Additionally, we provide Cultural Competence training, Consultancy, Clinical Supervision and specialized Addiction Recovery Programs for healthcare providers and statutory organizations throughout the UK.
Meet the Team
Sohan Sahota
Managing Director
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Steven Smith
Recovery Support Volunteer
David Marchant
NLP Practitioner/Volunteer
Llewelyn Gomes
Recovery Coach/Volunteer
Our Approach
Our approach is both culturally sensitive and peer-led, ensuring adaptability and inclusivity in our services. We provide comprehensive support for addiction recovery, rehabilitation, gambling, mental health, and overall well-being. The core of our philosophy is rooted in lived experience, transformative recovery, and cultural expertise and believe that every journey to recovery is unique.
Our Mission
BAC-IN is committed to empowering seldom engaged Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic individuals affected by addiction through culturally responsive peer-led support services. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can share their experiences, reclaim their lives, and find the gift of recovery. We refer to our service users as "friends of BAC-IN," placing them at the heart of our philosophy, service vision design, and peer-led engagement.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a leading force in transformative recovery and rehabilitation, ensuring that every individual has access to the support they need in a culturally affirming environment. We envision a future where stigma and discrimination are eradicated, and all individuals feel empowered to seek help and embrace their journey to recovery, guided by shared experiences, cultural empathy and cultural connection.
Collaborative Work
We believe in the benefits of collaboration and work in partnership with GPs, local health services and social care providers. We share best practice, offer consultancy, and deliver training to enhance the support available to our communities, improve health outcomes and generate positive service experience for individuals.
Alternative Model
BAC-IN was born out of a critical need to address the under-representation and gaps in mainstream drug and alcohol services in Nottingham. Our unique model is culturally responsive, offering a diverse range of psycho-social, cultural, faith-based, and spiritual perspectives on addiction recovery, rehabilitation, and well-being.
BAC-IN Peer Values
1. Cultural Empathy and Inclusivity - We believe in the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of our service users. Our approach is rooted in cultural identification and empathy; allowing individuals to feel seen, be heard and experience deep human connection. We value diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and spiritual backgrounds.
​2. Respect and Trust: BAC-IN values respect for every individual, treating service users, employees, and stakeholders with dignity, regardless of their background, ensuring a non-judgmental and inclusive environment. We prioritize creating a trusting environment where individuals can seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination, fostering confidentiality and respect in all interactions. We recognize the power of lived experience and our peer-led services offer individuals the opportunity to connect with those who understand.
3. Integrity: BAC-IN upholds integrity as a fundamental value, ensuring honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all aspects of our addiction recovery and rehabilitation services, fostering trust among service users, partners and stakeholders.
4. Community Empowerment: BAC-IN believes in empowering individuals to take control of their lives and overcome addiction. The organisation strives to provide resources, education, and personalised support to empower service users in their recovery process. We are dedicated to uplifting our communities and promoting recovery through shared lived experience, learned knowledge and consultative research and insight.
5. Collaboration: BAC-IN recognises the importance of collaboration in addiction recovery. The organisation promotes teamwork, partnerships with other organizations, and open communication to provide comprehensive and holistic support to service users.
6. Accountability: BAC-IN emphasises accountability, taking responsibility for its actions, outcomes, and commitments. The organisation ensures that it delivers on its promises and holds itself accountable for providing high-quality addiction recovery and rehabilitation services.
7. Continuous Improvement: BAC-IN believes in continuous improvement, constantly seeking ways to enhance its addiction recovery and rehabilitation programs, services, and processes. The organisation encourages innovation, learning, and adapting to evolving best practices in the field.
8. Long-term Recovery Focus: BAC-IN is committed to long-term recovery outcomes for its communities. The organisation prioritises sustainable recovery strategies, relapse prevention, and ongoing support to ensure individuals can maintain a healthy and fulfilling life beyond addiction and social reintegration.
9. Recovery UserVoice and Advocacy: We are committed to advocating for the rights and needs of the underserved and seldom engaged Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in the face of systemic barriers, structural discrimination and recovery health inequalities; ensuring that their voices are heard and represented in all recovery, rehabilitation and treatment dialogues.