Get Involved

Make a difference. Change lives. Be part of something bigger

The Well Communities is built on people – people who care, people who show up, and people who believe in the power of recovery. Whether you want to volunteer, fundraise, partner with us, or join our team, there are many ways to get involved and help create healthier, more hopeful communities across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Volunteering

Become a Volunteer

Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They mentor members, support activities, and bring compassion, understanding, and lived experience into our community. But we always need more people like you.

If you can give some of your time to help others, we’d love to hear from you. In return, we offer training, guidance, and opportunities to gain qualifications in areas such as counselling, mentoring, and coaching.

Every year, we celebrate our volunteers through our recognition programme. Could you be our next award winner?

What’s in it for you?

  • Build confidence by helping people in real need
  • Gain experience for careers in criminal justice, social work, or support services
  • Contribute to your local community
  • Develop organisational, teamwork, and mentoring skills
  • Join social activities and outdoor pursuits
  • Be part of a dynamic, innovative organisation
Contact Us

Fundraising

As a not for profit organisation, we rely on funding from public bodies, charitable organisations, businesses, and individuals. Your support helps us continue delivering life changing services to people affected by addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness, and domestic abuse.

Organise a Sponsored Event

Looking for a reason to challenge yourself? Take part in an organised fundraising event or create your own. Whether it’s a skydive, long distance walk, sponsored silence, or something completely unique, doing it in support of The Well makes every step meaningful. Invite friends, colleagues, or your community to join you.

We’re currently setting up an online fundraising platform. In the meantime, contact us directly if you’d like to organise an event.

Corporate Support

If your organisation values social responsibility, there are several ways to support us:

  • Staff volunteering – your team can volunteer with us while you continue to pay them
  • Fundraising events – organise a companywide challenge and donate the proceeds
  • Charity of the Year – choose us as your nominated charity and support us through regular giving or events

Supporting The Well boosts staff morale and strengthens the communities where you work.
You can donate by cheque (payable to The Well Communities) or call 01229 829832 to arrange a bank transfer.

DH Runners Charity of the Year

We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen as DH Runners Charity of the Year.

This partnership means the world to us as running and the community both have a unique power to connect people, build resilience, and change lives. These are the values that sit right at the heart of what we do.

DH Runners Charity Page
Partnerships

Working Together for Stronger Communities

Partnership working is central to our approach. We coproduce services with partner agencies and individuals to achieve shared goals for the communities we serve across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Substance misuse intersects with mental health, domestic abuse, homelessness, and wider social issues. By working collaboratively, we maximise resources, share knowledge, and create greater impact.

Our Partners Include:

  • NHS
  • Cumbria Constabulary
  • Inspire
  • Change Grow Live
  • Westmorland & Furness Council
  • Cumberland Council
  • Lancaster City Council
  • Bay Medical Group
  • Waythrough
  • …and many more.

We also work closely with families, recognising them as key partners in recovery.

Place Based Partnerships & Co Production

The Well Communities delivers a range of multi thematic interventions, including:

  • Changing Futures Lancashire supporting people with multiple complex needs
  • Supported Housing Provision helping people move toward independent living
  • Hospital Inreach/Outreach supporting high intensity service users in hospitals
  • Bay Medical Partnership behavioural health coaching in primary care
  • Grow Your Own employment readiness support across Westmorland & Furness and Cumberland
  • New You Project joint work with CGL supporting people with substance misuse disorders
  • Alcohol Outreach Services assertive outreach for people with problematic alcohol use
  • Cost of Living FoodClubs weekly support for families affected by the cost of living crisis
  • Recovery Steps Cumbria lived experience interventions across multiple locations
Contact Us
Job Vacancies

Join Our Team

Choosing to work at The Well Communities is more than choosing a job – it’s choosing to make a real difference in people’s lives.

We believe in recovery, dignity, and second chances. Every day, we support individuals and families affected by addiction to rebuild their lives, and we couldn’t do it without passionate, compassionate people like you.

If you’re looking for a role where your work truly matters, explore our current opportunities. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, especially those who bring empathy, resilience, and a deep belief in recovery.

Board Director (Non Executive) - Cumbria and North Lancashire

Location: Cumbria and North Lancashire

Hours: Approximately 6 to 10 days per year

Payscale: Voluntary

Description

The Well Communities is a peer-led recovery organisation built on support, inclusion and lived experience. For over a decade, we have supported people affected by addiction, offending behaviour, homelessness, trauma and mental health challenges to rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable recovery.

Our work is rooted in the belief that recovery is possible for everyone and that community, belonging and hope are powerful drivers of lasting change.

Operating across Cumbria and North Lancashire, we provide long-term recovery support, housing, mentoring, training, family support, social enterprise opportunities and community-based interventions. Lived experience is at the heart of everything we do, with many of our staff, volunteers and leaders bringing their own experiences of recovery and overcoming adversity.

As a Community Interest Company (CIC), we exist to create social benefit and positive outcomes for the communities we serve. Our Board Directors play a vital role in ensuring that we remain true to our mission, values and purpose while operating safely, sustainably and effectively.

Working alongside fellow Directors, the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, Board Directors provide strategic leadership, oversight, challenge and support.

Directors ensure that The Well Communities remains focused on its mission, delivers high-quality services, manages risk effectively and maintains strong governance and financial sustainability.

The Board’s role is not to manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation. Instead, Directors provide independent oversight and constructive challenge, helping to shape the future direction of The Well Communities and ensuring that recovery, lived experience and community remain at the centre of decision-making.

To download a full role description click here

Or to find out more, please contact our Company Secretary Kate Hodges on email : Kate.hodges@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk

or call : 01228 236348

Senior Hub Co-ordinator - Morecambe

Location: Morecambe

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Payscale: £28,000 per annum

Accountable To: Head of Operations

Description

This is a key operational co-ordination role responsible for the effective day-to-day management of The Well Communities Recovery and Community Hub in Morecambe. The post-holder will ensure the Hub is safe, welcoming, well organised and recovery-focused, co-ordinating people, activities, partnerships, facilities and performance information.

Working closely with the Operations Manager, the Senior Hub Co-Ordinator will translate organisational priorities into consistent daily delivery, provide day-to-day leadership to staff and volunteers, strengthen community connections, monitor service quality and outcomes, and identify opportunities to improve and develop the Hub.

Click the link to read the full job description: Senior Hub Co-ordinator – Morecambe

This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.

This job description reflects the current role but may be reviewed and amended following appropriate consultation as the service evolves.

To Apply Please send your expressions of interest/CV to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk

All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential – Housing Manager

To arrive no later than 5pm on 9th October 2026

 

Senior Tenancy Support Worker - Carlisle with some work in Workington

Location: Carlisle with some work in Workington

Hours: Up to 37.5 per week

Payscale: £28,600

Accountable To: Tenancy Sustainment Manager

Description

The post holder will have a specific remit to work with an identified cohort of service users with multiple, complex needs. Under the leadership of the Tenancy Sustainment Manager. You will assist in the provision of effective, high quality intensive housing management and support services to vulnerable individuals with little social or recovery capital.

The cohort includes individuals with additional support needs including offending behaviour, domestic violence, substance misuse and mental ill health, making them vulnerable to homelessness. Supporting individuals in assessing their needs to identify opportunities to engage them creatively and actively with support to facilitate the practical skills, personal growth and development necessary to live independently. A 12 Step Recovery program will form a key part of a holistic approach to recovery and wellbeing and experience of participation in such models of recovery is essential to this post.

Click the link to read the full job description: Senior TSW Carlisle 

  • A clean driving license and access to own transport.
  • Being granted security clearance to local custody suites
  • This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.

Additional Notes

This job description reflects the current role but may be reviewed and amended following appropriate consultation as the service evolves.

To Apply

Please send your expressions of interest/CV to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk  and details of 2 references(Name and Email address)

All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential – Senior Tenancy Support Worker – Carlisle/Workington

To arrive no later than 5pm on 19th October 2026

 

 

Tenancy Support Worker - 6 months fixed term contract - Workington, with some work in Carlisle

Location: Workington, with some work in Carlisle

Hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week

Payscale: £26,500

Accountable To: Tenancy Sustainment Manager

Description

The post holder will have a specific remit to work with an identified cohort of service users with multiple, complex needs. Under the leadership of the Tenancy Sustainment Manager. You will assist in the provision of effective, high quality intensive housing management and support services to vulnerable individuals with little social or recovery capital.

The cohort includes individuals with additional support needs including offending behaviour, domestic violence, substance misuse and mental ill health, making them vulnerable to homelessness. Supporting individuals in assessing their needs to identify opportunities to engage them creatively and actively with support to facilitate the practical skills, personal growth and development necessary to live independently. A 12 Step Recovery program will form a key part of a holistic approach to recovery and wellbeing and experience of participation in such models of recovery is essential to this post.

Click the link to read the full job description: Tenancy support worker – 6 month fixed term contract

  • 6 month fixed term contract
  • A clean driving license and access to own transport.
  • Being granted security clearance to local custody suites
  • This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.

Additional Notes

This job description reflects the current role but may be reviewed and amended following appropriate consultation as the service evolves.

To Apply

Please send your expressions of interest/CV to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk  and details of 2 references(Name and Email address)

All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential – Tenancy Support Worker –Fixed term contract Workington

To arrive no later than 5pm on 19th October 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Tenancy Support Worker - Morecambe

Location: Morecambe

Hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week

Payscale: £26, 228

Accountable To: Tenancy Sustainment Manager

Description

The post holder will have a specific remit to work with an identified cohort of service users with multiple, complex needs. Under the leadership of the Tenancy Sustainment Manager. You will assist in the provision of effective, high quality intensive housing management and support services to vulnerable individuals with little social or recovery capital.

The cohort includes individuals with additional support needs including offending behaviour, domestic violence, substance misuse and mental ill health, making them vulnerable to homelessness. Supporting individuals in assessing their needs to identify opportunities to engage them creatively and actively with support to facilitate the practical skills, personal growth and development necessary to live independently. A 12 Step Recovery program will form a key part of a holistic approach to recovery and wellbeing and experience of participation in such models of recovery is essential to this post.

Click the link to read the full job description: Tenancy support worker – Morecambe

  • A clean driving license and access to own transport.
  • Being granted security clearance to local custody suites
  • This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.

Additional Notes

This job description reflects the current role but may be reviewed and amended following appropriate consultation as the service evolves.

To Apply

Please send your expressions of interest/CV to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk  and details of 2 references(Name and Email address)

All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential – Tenancy Support Worker – Morecambe

To arrive no later than 5pm on 24th October 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMMILES (Substance Misuse & Mental Illness: Lived Experience Support) Project Worker - Workington, Cumbria

Location: Workington, Cumbria

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Payscale: From £26,228

Accountable To: SMMILES Team Leader

Description

This role supports the wider team in the delivery of effective and immediate responses to minimise harm and reduce relapse whilst encouraging individuals to engage with a recovery plan covering all aspects of their life.

This fast-paced role is focused on transforming people’s lives; you will, through an understanding and skilful use of the Decision Making Cycle, move individuals from “unaware” to a tailormade, co-owned support programme that delivers holistic recovery.

As a lived experience colleague, you will inspire and provide hope to individuals engaging with the project.

You will have a specific remit to work with communities in an asset-based manner.

You will work with partner agencies, e.g. Community Mental Health Team, Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Team (CRHT) and other community organisations, to identify individuals that have co-existing Substance Misuse and Mental Health issues and, through assertive support, create a person-centric support programme.

You will influence individuals and communities to make healthier lifestyle choices, develop self-care and management skills and build an individual’s recovery capital to become more resilient and self-sufficient.

Contract – Fixed Term September 2027

DBS Requirement – Enhanced level

Click the link to read the full job description: SMMILES (Substance Misuse & Mental Illness: Lived Experience Support) Project Worker

This job description reflects the current role but may be reviewed and amended following appropriate consultation as the service evolves.

To Apply
Please send your expressions of interest/CV to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk
All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential – SMMILES project worker
To arrive no later than 5pm on 22nd October 2026

For More information please speak to Paul Sloan – Psloan@thewell2.co.uk or Debra Dilks – DDilks@thewell2.co.uk

 

Senior Ketamine Harm Reduction & Family Support Worker - Morecambe (covering North Lancashire – Lancaster, Fylde & Wyre)

Location: Morecambe (covering North Lancashire – Lancaster, Fylde & Wyre)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible, includes evenings, weekends)

Payscale: From £27,500

Accountable To: Operations Manager

Description

As the Senior Family Support and Ketamine Harm Reduction Worker, you will lead and supervise both teams, ensuring high‑quality delivery of 1‑to‑1 support, group work, outreach, and community‑based interventions.

You will hold responsibility for overseeing service standards, embedding trauma‑informed practice, managing safeguarding responsibilities, supporting staff development, and building collaborative pathways with partner organisations.

Your work will directly increase engagement among ketamine users and families who are currently underserved, creating opportunities for meaningful change, improved wellbeing, and community resilience.

Click the link to read the full job description: Senior Ketamine Harm Reduction & Family Support Worker

This job description reflects the current role but may be reviewed and amended following appropriate consultation as the service evolves.

To Apply
Please send your expressions of interest/CV to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk
All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential – Senior Family and Ketamine Support Worker
To arrive no later than 5pm on 22nd October 2026

Team Leader - Grow your Own(GYO) Employment, training, enterprise pathway - Westmorland and Furness (Barrow & Kendal)

Location: Westmorland and Furness (Barrow & Kendal)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Payscale: From £27, 500

Accountable To: Operations Lead

Description

The Well Communities Grow Your Own ETE programmes overall aim is to provide joined up support mechanisms to enable economically inactive individuals with multiple complex needs to enter the active labour market across the Westmorland and Furness demographic.

They will recruit; train; engage in operational activity and supervise marginalised local citizens across the Westmorland and Furness footprint over a 5-year period to create the next cohort of staff members for local 3rd sector organisations and statutory support services moving forward.

This approach overarches local need on a threefold level: The need to remove barriers to employment for targeted cohorts who are often excluded from the labour market and economically inactive. This coaching model will stimulate the VCFSE employment landscape locally and provide lived experience staff with existing skillsets and experience. This project satisfies department of health aspiration to put “lived experience” at the very heart of service delivery and gives participants self-worth and improved wellbeing.

As the Grow Your Own project lead you will work closely with the TWC Senior Leadership Team, sub-contracting organisations, partner organisations, local councils, clinicians, social enterprises, and training providers to develop TWC service reach, whilst supporting TWC Operational Lead to accurately report back impact data, contract monitoring/performance and development opportunities.

You will support TWC Operational Lead to develop innovative projects that consider broad public health outcomes and embed an outcome-focussed recovery culture and provide a constant stimulus for improving services in a learning environment. You will carry out your role within a culture of co-production which actively promotes concepts including asset-based working practices, visible, tangible recovery and pro-social modelling which are aligned with the core organisational values of TWC at every level.

You will be required to work flexibly across operational sites within an agreed number of hours to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision.

Click the link to read the full job description: Team Leader – Grow your Own(GYO) Employment, training, enterprise pathway

This job description reflects the current role but may be reviewed and amended following appropriate consultation as the service evolves.

To Apply

Please send your expressions of interest/CV to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk

All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential – Team Leader – Grow Your Own

To arrive no later than 5pm on 11th September 2026