Online fundraising platform Omaze has donated £25,000 to The Well Communities charity, after the close of its recent house draw in the Lake District.
The donation will help The Well Communities project continue to provide crucial support for individuals and families across Cumbria facing severe and complex problems surrounding addiction.
Founded in 2012 by ex-offender David Higham, The Well is a not-for-profit community interest company with hubs in Carlisle, Kendal, and Barrow - all helping people recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
Since its incorporation, it has engaged with over 4000+ people and supported 900 in sustaining their abstinence.
The money donated will help to fund the front-line staff who support local communities and also purchase a new van which will be used "hands on" to support local residents.
“The programme we operate helps to inspire the belief that recovery from many varied social difficulties is possible.
“Our network of local Volunteer Recovery Companions and staff members convey the possibility that things can be different and offer living proof of that difference in their own lives.
“The viability and visibility of these individuals positively affects the people who are initiating their recovery. We've seen first-hand that recovery from most difficulties can become socially contagious in the life of a community.
“Community responses to community issues is what The Well Communities is all about, we are asset-based community developers in the truest sense of the word.”
The community works towards building positive futures around access to education, training, employment, volunteering and self-employment opportunities.
Alongside all the programmes and services offered, a key element of The Well is the importance of building a mutual aid community and a sense of belonging for all.
Its specialist recovery residential provision with peer support mentors is continuing to grow in Barrow in Furness, Kendal and Carlisle and will expand into Whitehaven in the next phase of their ‘sustainable organic growth strategy.
James Oakes from Omaze said: “The work that Ged and everyone at The Well Community is doing is truly inspirational.
“It's lifesaving work that benefits those suffering with addiction, their families as well as the wider community.
"We’re delighted to have made a contribution to such an important charity, we will continue to help more local causes in the areas where we host our house draws, wherever possible."
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