At The Well Communities, everything we do starts with people. Their stories, their strengths, and the lived experiences are what shape our recovery community. That’s why we’re absolutely delighted to share some incredible news. Our recovery hubs in Barrow, Kendal, and Carlisle have been awarded the Career Matters Lived Experience Charter GOLD Award.
This is the highest level of recognition within the Charter, and it celebrates organisations that go above and beyond in valuing, championing, and creating meaningful opportunities for people with lived experience. For us, this award isn’t just an achievement, it’s a reflection of who we are, what we believe in, and how we choose to work every single day.
What the Gold Award Means to Us
The GOLD Award recognises excellence in:
Inclusive recruitment
Meaningful roles and progression pathways
Professional development that nurtures talent and leadership
Embedding lived experience at the heart of service delivery
Across our three Cumbrian hubs, people with lived experience are not only part of the team, they shape our approach, guide our culture, and strengthen the support we provide to communities across the county. Their voices are central to creating compassionate, effective, recovery‑focused environments.
Trish McKitterick and Lauren McCann
A Message from Our Director, Ian Treasure
Reflecting on the achievement, Ian Treasure, Director of The Well Communities, shared:
“This Lived Experience Charter Gold Award for The Well Communities CIC epitomises the highest standards of support that we provide to our residents so they may transform, strengthen and grow in their recovery from addiction. I am delighted that an external body agrees we deserve the highest level of award and as a LERO we will continue to coproduce everything we do with our communities to maintain these standards.
I would like to personally thank all our colleagues who helped us provide evidence and in particular our Head of Operations, Trish McKitterick, and HR Officer Lauren McCann, who assembled and submitted the bid.”
We couldn’t agree more, this achievement belongs to our whole community.
This award shines a light on our ongoing commitment to nurturing a workforce that truly reflects the people we serve. We believe lived experience is a strength, something to be valued, supported, and celebrated.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to:
Continue expanding peer‑led support
Grow employment pathways for people with lived experience
Strengthen community partnerships across Cumbria
Keep building spaces where recovery is understood, respected, and uplifted
The GOLD Award is a milestone, but it’s also a motivation to keep pushing forward together.