Breakfast Club in Wigan

‘WeAreWithYou’ (‘WithYou’ for short) is a national charity with 80 local branches, offering help to young people and adults who want to overcome homelessness and drug or alcohol addiction. They offer a range of services, and in Wigan, Breakfast Club is just one example of what they offer.

WithYou volunteers are offered extensive training in counselling, computer skills (to keep records of the work they do, the supplies they used and if anyone needs extra support), first aid and even food and hygiene training. The volunteers are compassionate people who just want to help others. Others who have fallen through the cracks of society, landed on the very bottom and want to climb back up to what many consider a ‘normal’ life.

I spoke to one of the volunteers

One of the volunteers, who works in the Coops Building in Wigan, told me about the Breakfast Club they run, why the volunteers love what they do, and how they will never judge anyone. Breakfast Club runs every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning (but not on a bank holiday).

More than just breakfast

“Volunteers get to know the customers. I say hello and good morning to each individual, and if they’ve been a few times I remember what they normally want for breakfast and how much. Some want toast, others cereal or porridge, or a combination of things. I know what each of our regulars like, and if they order less or different from normal I will ask if they are okay.

We have a fridge, kettle, toaster and microwave to make their breakfasts, and I love seeing them enjoy the food and hot drinks. If you can’t start the day warm and with food in your stomach, how will you get through it? How will you find the strength to say NO to the constant temptation of drugs and alcohol?

And sometimes we have extras, like biscuits or crisps, or chocolate or fruit. Anything different is a treat, and a step closer to normality because doesn’t everyone have a treat every now and then if they can?”

Helping people take care of their health one step at a time

“Many people who have addictions and have been living on the street have poor physical and dental health. We can help them find a doctor and a dentist, and will make the first appointment for them. It’s just helping them take another step towards a ‘normal’ life, and towards being accepted into society again, as someone’s teeth are the first thing many people will notice. And poor dental health can have a knock-on effect on your body, infection in your gums can spread to other parts.”

No judgement, just help and support

“No judgement is a big thing for us. At WithYou, we stand with our clients. Coming to us, looking for help is a massive step for people. When people come here, they have already taken a big step to be proud of, and that is something to be celebrated.

Anyone can fall on hard times, regardless of their background. The main thing for us is to be there for someone who is ready to fight back against their demons, and take control of their life again. No judgement on what went wrong, just encouragement to move forwards, fight the addiction and find their self respect back.”

When relapse happens the door stays open

“If someone relapses, if they show up drunk or obviously under the influence of drugs, or with alcohol or drugs on them, they can’t join Breakfast Club that day. But we are not angry, we try not to show disappointment or sadness. We know they will be disappointed in themselves, either now or later when they realise, and we don’t need to add to that. We want to give them courage and hope, not add to the negativity in their life. We just explain that there is a zero tolerance policy, but we don’t tell them off. We just say: please don’t take anything tomorrow, but come to Breakfast Club instead.

And when they do show up sober the next time, we give them a chance to talk about what upset them to the point of feeling they needed drugs or alcohol to cope.”

A space to create, talk and support each other

“Apart from Breakfast Club, we also offer creative groups and peer support groups.

Creative groups are a chance to express yourself without having to put something into words, or just a change to enjoy making something.

I usually try things out at home, folding or colouring, making Christmas or Easter ornaments, anything like that. We all enjoy the activities.

Peer support is normally done by one of the other volunteers, but the same rules apply: no judgement, just give people a chance to talk, help each other and be there for each other. Society should follow those rules all the time, the world would be a much better place.”

Pride when people achieve their goal

“I feel so proud when someone achieves a sobriety milestone. They work so hard to get there, and it is all down to the individual.

It is THEIR hard work that gets them to that point. We can be there for them, and support them in the journey, but we can’t fight their demons, it is not us, the volunteers, who have to resist the pull of the addictive substances that offer instant relief of all feelings. It is our clients who have to fight that fight, face up to their problems and find a way to deal with them without the help of any legal or illegal substances. That takes determination and strength, not everyone can do it. Even with help. But everyone who makes it, who turns their back on the drugs or alcohol that used to control their lives, is a winner. All we do is point them in the right direction, but we can’t fight the fight for them. That is down to each individual themselves. And it makes me happy to see people win that fight, beat their demons, and find a way to live a happier and healthier life again. They deserve it, each and every one out there does.”

Andy Burnham’s pledge

The same volunteer wrote to the office of their new MP and Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, asking if more can be done to help homeless people in Wigan.

The reply mentioned Burnham’s commitment to ending rough sleeping at the earliest opportunity, and the extra funding he has pledged for this, which comes on top of what the previous PM already pledged.

The letter goes on to say:

“The government is also giving councils £2.7bn in Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant funding that they can use to support people experiencing or at risk of rough sleeping and homelessness in their areas over the next three years. Councils have been given the flexibility to use this funding to respond to the needs of people within their communities, including funding voluntary sector services.

The government is also providing £47mn for voluntary, community and faith organisations through the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund, to enable the sector to strengthen community-based support, transform day services, help individuals live independently and prevent homelessness and rough sleeping. This may be of particular interest to WeAreWithYou and the work you are doing in Wigan.”

Help WeAreWithYou help!

If you want to support these amazing people, both the dedicated volunteers and those taking the difficult steps towards turning their backs on addiction, there are many ways you can help. You can volunteer, donate or fundraise for WeAreWithYou, helping the charity continue supporting people as they work to rebuild their lives, regain their confidence and get back on their feet.