Manchester Solutions

CONTACTING PETE COULD LEAD TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Ian McCartney, MP for Makerfield, was the guest speaker at the recent launch of a new employment initiative in Wigan aimed at providing specialist advice and support for local residents recovering from alcohol and drug addiction at the Wigan Oak Hotel.

The P.E.T.E. (Pathways to Education, Training and Employment) project provides a range treatment options for people wanting to overcome their addictions to drugs and/or alcohol combined with training, which will help recovering addicts in developing skills and confidence to get back into the labour market.

The project is delivered by Work Solutions and CRI working in partnership with the Wigan Drug and Alcohol Action Team and the Building Safer Communities Partnership.

In his keynote speech Mr McCartney praised the work of projects such as P.E.T.E in providing

"a strategic approach to intervene in 2 crucial areas in the abuse field." He also highlighted the need to change individuals understanding of alcohol and drug abuse. "Programmes such as these can help mark a turning point for these individuals and help them towards recovery from these problems that can be damaging and can cause great misery and despair and that in some cases can be fatal."

Mr McCartney also had the opportunity to meet some of the people who have benefited from the programme through the Learning Through Lyrics course delivered through Bolton College. The group also entertained guests to a performance of several songs including some original material as part of the launch.

P.E.T.E delivers employability-focussed training (both academic and vocational), one-to-one support and access to vacancies within the local job market. Training courses are free to all clients registered with the Project and include Skills for Life (Maths & English from entry level up to Level 2), accredited work-specific qualifications, and improving on skills valued by employers such as time management, confidence building and assertiveness.

Another key feature of P.E.T.E. is the opportunity for people to take part in volunteer activities throughout the local area as a means of improving their skills whilst also participating in rewarding community projects. A dedicated Volunteer Co-ordinator sources suitable positions across a wide range of industries with the aim of people gaining valuable work experience in the sector of their choice.

If you are looking for help to deal with a drug or alcohol problem and are interested to find out more about P.E.T.E click here ring Wigan & Leigh Drug & Alcohol Services on 01942 527775.