PADA was originally set up in Birkenhead on the Wirral in 1984.

The concept of supporting friends and families of substance users was realised by Joan Keogh MBE, who was the mother of two heroin using children.

Originall PADA was set up as a lobbying group to try and bring drug services to the Wirral, and after this was achieved turned to family support.

A number of organisations across the UK were helped to set up by PADA through information and training - and PADA now has strong links with more than 250 projects across the country.

PADA Ellesmere Port was set up in 1992 by Lynn Clare MBE, and after Joan's death This project picked up on the Wirral service on an outreach basis.
However, thanks to Wirral Drug and Alcohol Team, funding has now been available to once again re-launch a PADA Wirral, based in Laird Street in Birkenhead.

Over the years a number of services have been developed including a national lo-cost helpline, receiving more than 15,000 calls a year, a fully accredited training programme (PADA is now a Centre of Learning for National Open College), an alternative therapies programme, One to One support, Outreach service and many other services.