The Woodchurch Community Alcohol Project (WCAP), based in one of Wirral’s deprived council estates was launched in January 2007 to try to help solve the problems of chaotic alcohol misuse, its associated anti-social behaviour including domestic violence that were affecting the lives of the surrounding community. Its success in getting to the heart of the problem was quickly recognised and the model was replicated across other areas in Wirral where high levels of deprivation existed.

Funded by Wirral PCT, the project has extended its reach across 5 more communities. The project provides a variety of interventions that target specific social problems, facilitating relapse prevention and other capacity building training courses for the long-term unemployed.

Majella Lanigan, the project manager said “ The reason for the Alcohol Project’s success is simple. It is staffed by people who are expert by experience and can offer real peer group support and visible proof that with the right support, even the most seasoned alcohol misusers can recover and regain their lives and self esteem”.

With dedicated staff, supported by our own Fixers Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) participants, these projects have had a huge impact on the lives of the individuals that have accessed our support, their families and the wider community. The projects are supported by the local police and have been recognised as helping to reduce anti-social behaviour, domestic violence incidences and arrests.