RADE support people struggling with their substance dependency and help them to improve their quality of life and address their sense of isolation and boredom through the use of cultural activities that are plausible and attainable. We believe that what is missing in the lives of many users is the belief that they have a capacity to contribute to society.

• RADE works with people at all stages of recovery from substance dependency. This ranges from those who are still active users of street drugs, to people who are on methadone medication only, to people with alcohol problems and people who have become drug/drink-free.
• RADE works with the individual’s inherent creativity and uses it as a resource to promote positive change.
• The teamwork and interdependent nature of public productions competes with the passive stimulation experienced by drug-taking and helps to promote self-education, confidence and self-esteem. This helps to ensure a whole range of learning and gained experience that comes with the territory, whether it be development of literacy skills through playwriting/reading or technical skills achieved through realising productions in theatre, film and art.
• The focus towards the showcasing of the art product each year not only gives a meaningful motivation to participants but also helps to change societal perception of drug-users.
• Our method of working allows participants to experience essential elements of employment, including teamwork, deadlines, time-keeping and personal responsibility. In the 2012 Service Users Satisfaction Survey, 50 per cent of learners stated they had a clear idea about training they wished to do or a job or career they would like to have in the future since attending RADE.