Latest News and Interesting Case Studies
From Drug Abuse to Education
With the right support, people can come back from a lifetime of addiction. It's a huge step, but for Richard (not his real name), the dream of a drug-free career is on the verge of becoming a reality. At the age of 48, he's now studying counselling skills at Weston College, and building his own support network.
A determination to kick the habit Richard first used heroin when he was 12. Thirty-six years later, working with our partners we supported him to access six months of inpatient detoxification. It wasn't his first attempt to clear his life of drugs, but this time he was determined to make it work.
When his residential treatment ended, Richard joined the WoEW programme. He took part in regular one-to-one sessions to help focus on his goals, and to acknowledge his progress. The sessions were a safe place to talk about his barriers to progress: negative thinking ... a lack of motivation and self-esteem ... an ex-oender with no recent employment history.
Step by step towards a drug-free future Richard also attended aftercare service that included an acupuncture and meditation session, group therapy, and a post-lunch workshop. Richard's ability to work is limited by a severe lung condition (he's awaiting a transplant) which meant that the full-day sessions were too tiring. He attended for the mornings only.
But that was enough to boost his self-confidence and self-belief and give him the skills to better manage his emotions and his personal relationships. Richard crucially understood that, to build his confidence, he needed to mix with people beyond his immediate network. So, he signed up for a basic IT course, joined a community-based mutual-aid group, found a buddy among the long-term members of the group, and built up a support network.
A new town and a fresh direction Richard is well on his way to a new life. As his time in supported accommodation came to an end, he made a big eort to move to Weston-Super-Mare and find a permanent home. His health and recovery were his priority. Richard has now enrolled at Weston College and begun a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. He knows what he wants to do – and what he needs to do to achieve it – so he's also studying GCSE English to give himself the skills to progress further with his counselling courses. He has a vision of a different life, and he's working to make it happen.
Recent News Stories
West of England Works participant named one of the most influential people in Bristol under the age of 24
Read the article here
West of England Works Participant Forum takes place at Felix Road Adventure Playground
-
anemptytextllineThe West of England Works project is a partnership which aims to help unemployed and economically inactive people in the region find employment. The project is a part of...
-
anemptytextllineOne of West of England Works Thematic Anchor Partners, Southern Brooks have helped a local resident obtain paid employment. The West of England Works project is a partnership which...
-
anemptytextllineCarers Support Centre, one of the West of England Works Thematic Anchor Partners have been producing fantastic results for the project and have successfully managed to guide one of...
-
anemptytextllineYou’ve done the hard bit, you’ve impressed the employer with your CV, but now it is time for the interview. Interviews can be nerve racking experiences, so it is...
-
anemptytextllineCarers Support Centre, who are one of West of England Works Thematic Anchor Partners have been providing support to carers in achieving routes to education, work experience and also...
-
anemptytextllineThis month we are focusing on the work of the residential treatment centre, Broadway Lodge. Broadway Lodge is based in Weston-super-Mare and provides help to participants overcoming addiction. They...
-
anemptytextllineWeston-super-Mare based residential treatment centre Broadway Lodge has been assisting local people in overcoming addiction and gaining employment through the West of England Works programme. Local resident Mags had...
-
anemptytextllineToday’s job market is as challenging as ever, but that’s why we’re here. We all know that our CVs are the first step to landing that dream job and we...
-
anemptytextllineWest of England Works is lucky to work with some very proactive partners, and this month we are going to be taking a closer look into the work of...