Plans for support hub for drug and alcohol addiction in Wigan

First published on: 23rd May 2019


The parish that is served by St Barnabas in Marsh Green, a couple of miles from Wigan town centre is in the worst 10% most deprived in the country, with high rates of child, pensioner and working age poverty.

In recent years the church has developed closer links with the councils ‘Addaction’ substance misuse service and other community initiatives have been established by the church.

Now, there are plans for a plot of unused land next to St Barnabas to become supported living accommodation and provide a permanent base for services that can help addicts rebuild their lives.
Funding has been found and planning blueprints submitted to the council. If approval is granted then a permanent base surrounded by an intense support network will provide a fairer chance for people to be set free from the hold of drugs and alcohol.

Rev Denise Hayes explains how urgently the facility is needed as the church community has witnessed too many return from detox and recovery courses only to find themselves back surrounded by old associates and drug dealers.

Revd Denise said “Our ministry at St Francis and St Barnabas seeks to serve our community which God has blessed us with and this is a great privilege. St Barnabas Church is in the heart of the community and like all churches we are called to be a beacon of light and hope. Working with our partners: Addaction, Fur Clemt, Partners Foundation, Marsh Green School, Westfield Children’s Centre, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, we seek to do this, not by doing things to people but with them.

"The supported accommodation will provide intensive 24/7 support to give people the help and strength they need to address their substance misuse and regain control of their lives. It will provide a supportive network that will continue to provide support and care when people leave the accommodation and move back into the community.

"God can and will change lives as we become the stepping stones enabling people to find Him in their darkness.”

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