The NHS Addictions Provider Alliance (NHS APA) is delighted to announce that Teresa Wirz and Becky Harris have been appointed as the new co-Vice Chairs. This marks an exciting new chapter in our ongoing mission to make a positive difference in addiction treatment services across England.
Together, Teresa and Becky bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for advancing the NHS APA’s goals and we are looking forward to seeing the work that they carry out within their new roles:
I am excited to join the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance (APA) as the new Vice Chair. I have been a dedicated member of the APA for over 8 years and currently serve as the Head of the Central and North West London NHS Addictions Directorate, where I lead an array of services, including 20 talented teams dedicated to supporting individuals facing addiction. With over 27 years in addiction treatment, my journey began on Rowan Ward, an inpatient assessment and detoxification unit, and I hold a master’s degree in Addictive Behaviour Medicine.
I am deeply passionate about the APA and what we have achieved together so far. Looking ahead, I see numerous opportunities to bring the sector together to address common challenges, ensuring high-quality care, fostering innovation in practice, and promoting service user co-production.
-Teresa Wirz
I am a Systemic family psychotherapist and manager, with over 20 years’ experience in the NHS as well as voluntary and private settings. I have worked in CNWL’s Addictions Directorate since 2004, providing both inpatient and community therapy to people and their families dealing with a wide range of addiction issues including drugs, alcohol, ‘chemsex’ and behavioural disorders, before moving into management where I oversaw the development and inception of the National Centre for Behavioural Addictions and the expansion of the National Gambling Clinic. I have been involved with the APA for the past two years and am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to be a bigger part of it.
- Becky Harris
We also wish to express our thanks to Kate Hall, our outgoing Vice Chair. Her contributions have been crucial in shaping our initiatives and driving positive change in addiction treatment. We are grateful for her unwavering commitment and wish her all the best in her retirement.
We encourage you to stay connected with our work by following us on social media, signing up for our newsletter, and visiting our websites: NHS APA and Stigma Kills.