our approach
The Well is a not-for-profit community interest company founded in 2012 by ex-offender and former drug addict, David Higham. With hubs in Barrow, Morecambe and Lancaster as well as sites in Kendal and Fleetwood, we help people recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
About The Well
We offer a range of high-quality services which are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Support is free to members and is provided by staff and volunteers with 'lived experience' of addiction. The team also specialises in providing support to people with mental health issues, offending behaviour, childhood trauma, learning difficulties, domestic abuse and homelessness.
Over the last four years, we’ve become a well-known and highly respected service provider in Cumbria and north Lancashire. Of those who've used our services, 69% have remained abstinent for six months or more.
We've found that our passionate and unique way of working has helped people into recovery where other services have failed. We have the knowledge and capacity to work with a range of organisations including the NHS, police, prisons, the probation service, social services and local councils.
We specialise in providing suppport to people with a range of issues.
Mission
To build a movement that supports sustainable recovery for people facing severe and complex social exclusion by valuing and harnessing the strengths, skills, partnerships and other assets present in every community.
Vision
For people facing severe and complex social exclusion to have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives through involvement in a community that supports their recovery, encourages (stigma-free) social integration, builds their abstinence and wellbeing, and is led and organised by their peers and families.
The way we do things
One: We believe that recovery is infectious. We value the therapeutic benefits of one addict helping another. That’s why we employ staff and volunteers who've either overcome addiction themselves or have experienced it through a family member.
Two: We focus on Asset Based Community Development. This means that we concentrate on each person’s abilities, skills and knowledge (or ‘assets’) to build confidence and self esteem.
Three: We can provide support for as long as a person needs it. This gives members the opportunity to build lasting friendships and feel part of a supportive community – which is vital for achieving long-term recovery.
Four: We encourage members to get involved in their communities. This gives them a sense of pride that they’re able to contribute and ‘give back’ to society.
Five: The design and delivery of our services is very much led by members and their families. This helps us to keep our services relevant, effective and inclusive.
