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Aguaris (Aquarius Charity UK) 2026: Complete Guide to Services, Support, Locations & Impact

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Aguaris (Aquarius Charity UK) 2026: Complete Guide to Services

“Aguaris” in the UK, you’re most likely looking for Aquarius Action Projects — a leading UK charity supporting people affected by alcohol misuse, drug dependency, and gambling harms.

Spelling variations like Aguaris are common, but the established organisation is Aquarius, a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1014305, Company No. 2427100).

In 2026, Aquarius remains one of the Midlands’ most important recovery-focused charities, helping over 12,000 people annually through free, confidential, and non-judgmental services.

This guide explains:

What Aquarius is
Its history and mission
Services offered in the UK
Who it helps
Locations and funding
Legal status and impact
Other meanings of “Aquarius” in the UK

Let’s explore everything you need to know.

What Is Aquarius (Often Misspelled as Aguaris) in the UK?

Aquarius Action Projects, trading as Aquarius, is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by:

Alcohol misuse
Drug dependency
Gambling-related harm
Co-occurring mental health challenges

Founded in 1977 in Birmingham, Aquarius emerged during a period when public services for addiction were limited and stigma was high.

Today, the charity operates primarily across the Midlands, offering services free at the point of use. Funding comes mainly from:

Local authorities
NHS contracts
National grants
Public donations

Substance misuse remains a significant issue in the UK:

Over 1.5 million adults struggle with alcohol dependency (NHS data)
Around 0.5% of the UK population experiences problem gambling (Gambling Commission)

Aquarius plays a vital role in reducing harm, supporting recovery, and easing pressure on NHS services.

In 2026, Aquarius is merging with its parent charity Waythrough (effective April 1, 2026) to strengthen sustainability while keeping all frontline services intact.

History and Growth of Aquarius Charity

Origins in the 1970s

Aquarius began in 1977 as a grassroots initiative responding to rising alcohol and drug issues in Birmingham. The late 1970s saw social changes, urban challenges, and increasing heroin use across UK cities.

At the time, addiction was poorly understood, and support services were fragmented. Aquarius introduced a compassionate, community-led model focused on practical help rather than moral judgment.

Expansion in the 1980s–2000s

As the UK gambling landscape expanded — particularly after the National Lottery Act 1994 — Aquarius broadened its focus to include gambling harm support.

By the 2000s, services evolved to integrate:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Harm reduction strategies
Trauma-informed approaches
Family-based interventions

Aquarius aligned its work with NICE guidelines and NHS frameworks, strengthening its credibility and outcomes.

Modern Milestones (2010–2026)

Joined the Recovery Focus Group
Accredited by the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) in 2019
Expanded youth-focused programmes in response to vaping and online betting growth
Preparing for strategic merger with Waythrough in 2026

Today, Aquarius supports over 12,000 individuals per year, with 75% reporting improved wellbeing after engagement.

Services Offered by Aquarius in 2026

Aquarius provides person-centred, accessible services delivered through:

Face-to-face sessions
Telephone appointments
Online support
Community outreach

1. Alcohol and Drug Support

Services include:

One-to-one counselling
Group recovery sessions
Detox advice and referrals
Needle exchange programmes
Relapse prevention planning
Family support services

The approach prioritises harm reduction rather than abstinence-only models.

2. Gambling Harm Services

As part of the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS), Aquarius provides:

Behavioural therapy
Financial guidance and budgeting help
Self-exclusion tools
Family and partner support

This is increasingly vital as online betting apps grow across the UK.

3. Youth & Under-25 Support

Young people face rising risks linked to:

Online gambling
Substance experimentation
Mental health pressures

Aquarius works in schools and youth centres, offering:

Early intervention programmes
Education workshops
Peer-led recovery support

4. Community Initiatives – The Grounded Café

The Grounded Café in Birmingham serves as:

A safe social space
Volunteer hub
Informal advice centre
Recovery-focused community venue

This model reduces isolation and promotes real-world reintegration.

How the Process Works

Referral or Self-Contact
- Phone: 0121 622 8181
- GP referral
- Online form
Initial Assessment
- Confidential conversation
- Personalised support plan
Ongoing Support
- Weekly or bi-weekly sessions
- Progress tracking tools
Aftercare
- Long-term follow-up
- Peer support
- Housing/employment signposting

Who Aquarius Helps

Aquarius supports:

Adults (18+)
Young people (via specialist teams)
Families and carers
Individuals with dual diagnoses (mental health + addiction)

It provides culturally sensitive services for:

Ethnic minority communities
LGBTQ+ individuals
Veterans
People experiencing homelessness

In 2025:

12,000+ people supported
90% satisfaction rate
Numerous success stories involving career recovery, family reunification, and sustained sobriety

Locations and Reach Across the UK

Aquarius primarily operates in the Midlands, including:

Birmingham (Head Office: 236 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, B5 7SL)
Derby
Coventry
Wolverhampton
Surrounding areas

Though Midlands-focused, Aquarius collaborates nationally through the Recovery Focus Group, sharing best practice across:

London
Manchester
Scotland

Online support extends accessibility across the UK.

Funding, Legality & Ethical Framework

Regulatory Status

Aquarius is regulated by:

Charity Commission for England and Wales
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Gambling Commission

It complies fully with:

Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR)
UK safeguarding laws
UK Drug Strategy 2021

The charity holds a strong compliance record and has received positive CQC assessments.

Funding Structure

Main income sources:

Local authority commissions
NHS contracts
Big Lottery Fund grants
Public donations (~20–30% of income)

Estimated annual turnover (2025): £10–£15 million

Volunteering and Gift Aid donations are encouraged to support sustainability.

Social and Cultural Impact in the UK

Addiction costs the UK billions annually:

Alcohol-related hospital admissions cost around £3.5 billion per year
Gambling harms create financial, mental health, and family strain nationwide

Aquarius reduces this burden by:

Preventing escalation
Supporting recovery
Reintegrating individuals into work and community life

The charity has been featured in BBC coverage of gambling harm and participates in campaigns like Alcohol Awareness Week.

Its lived-experience-led approach makes recovery relatable and achievable.

Other Meanings of “Aquarius” in the UK

If “Aguaris” doesn’t refer to the charity, it may relate to:

Aquarius Sports Drink

An isotonic drink by Coca-Cola (similar to Powerade), available on Amazon UK.

Aquarius Zodiac Sign

Popular in UK horoscope platforms such as Express.co.uk and Horoscope.co.uk.

Aquarius ITV Arts Series

A 1970–1977 ITV cultural programme archived by the BFI.

However, the charity remains the most significant UK reference.

Conclusion: Why Aquarius (Aguaris) Matters in 2026

Whether searched as Aguaris or Aquarius, this Midlands-based charity remains a cornerstone of addiction recovery and gambling harm prevention in the UK.

With nearly five decades of service, strong regulatory oversight, and thousands of lives changed each year, Aquarius represents:

Compassion
Evidence-based practice
Community-driven recovery
Accessible support without stigma

If you or someone you know needs help, support is confidential and free.

Contact:

0121 622 8181
hello@aquarius.org.uk

Recovery is possible—and help is available.

FAQs About Aquarius (Aguaris) UK

1. Is Aquarius a registered UK charity?

Yes. Charity No. 1014305, regulated by the Charity Commission.

2. Are services free?

Yes. All frontline services are free at the point of use.

3. Does Aquarius help with gambling addiction?

Yes. It is part of the National Gambling Treatment Service.

4. Where is Aquarius based?

Head office in Birmingham, with services across the Midlands.

5. Is Aguaris different from Aquarius?

No. “Aguaris” is likely a spelling variation of Aquarius.