About us

Darren Woodward

Darren has worked as a senior manager in health and social care for over 25 years. He was a Director (Operations, Business Development and finally Transformation) at Turning Point, the national Charity and Social Enterprise. Darren is the Chair of the Board of Trustees at DATUS. Darren is the Therapeutic Lead of WellBe Link CIC.

He is also a qualified practicing psychotherapist (MA, ADEPt, MBACP Accred. & UKCP), supervisor and NVQ Level 7 Executive Coach.

Mohammed Ashfaq

Mohammed Ashfaq MBE has pioneered culturally tailored recovery solutions, including the Islamic Muslim Recovery Network, the UK’s first 12-Step Islamic Recovery Programme. His work has been recognised through awards for supporting Birmingham’s Crack Strategy and for his innovative approaches to recovery and community safety. Mohammed’s leadership in challenging radicalisation has earned commendations from Prime Ministers David Cameron and Theresa May, and KIKIT has been adopted by the Home Office as a ‘Prevent’ best practice model. In recognition of his outstanding work with vulnerable communities, Mohammed was awarded an MBE. Mohammed has spearheaded the development of Birmingham’s Inclusive Recovery City Hub (BIRCH) in Digbeth, building visible recovery capital, meaningful opportunities for people through community partnership and engagement.

Jamie Sadler

James Sadler is founding CEO of DATUS, a peer-led Lived Experience Recovery Organisation. Informed by lived experience of addiction and the criminal justice system, he designs services that put people and long-term outcomes ahead of performance metrics and contractual targets, enabling those most affected to lead design, delivery, and evaluation. He takes a whole systems view of addiction across substances and behaviours.

Through Birmingham’s Inclusive Recovery City Hub (BIRCH) with KIKIT, he mobilises volunteers and civic partners to reduce stigma and build recovery capital. James serves on the boards of Inclusive Recovery Cities (IRC UK) and CLERO, championing evidence-based, community-powered systems.