Lancaster ex-offender's work praised by High Sheriff of Lancashire

The High Sheriff of Lancashire presented an award to Dave Higham of The Well for the work he has done in Lancaster and Morecambe in helping ex-offenders overcome substance misuse and learn the skills needed to live life.
Dave Higham collects his award from Amanda Parker.Dave Higham collects his award from Amanda Parker.
Dave Higham collects his award from Amanda Parker.

The High Sheriff, Amanda Parker, can make awards to individuals who have given outstanding service to the community, in supporting the police and other emergency services.

She said: “As a long term offender and recovering alcoholic Dave understood what support people need on release from prison or when they want to free themselves from addiction.

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“Setting up The Well community has enabled dozens of people in Lancaster and Morecambe to access services and support to address their problems, and enable them to give something back to the community that they abused when in the grip of addiction.

“He is able to work directly with the community to modify their behaviour and change attitudes. His passion and focus to help others is inspiring.”

Amanda Parker JP, of Browsholme Hall in Clitheroe, is the High Sheriff of Lancashire until her year term of office ends on April 9.

The High Sheriff is the Queen’s representative in the county for all matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order; much of the High Sheriff’s year is therefore spent supporting and encouraging the voluntary and statutory organisations who work in this area. In Lancashire this means involvement with the crown and magistrates’ courts, the police, prison and probation services.

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The Well provides a unique service for people who want to become/maintain abstinent from substance and alcohol misuse.

The Well was set up in 2012, by prolific ex-offender Dave Higham.

Dave used his own money to start The Well, when he noticed there was no support available for individuals or their families out of hours and/or weekends.

The Well has a social club in Lancaster, hubs in Morecambe and Barrow. It also has three residential (dry) houses in Barrow.

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The Well works with people who have faced multiple deprivations and difficulties including mental health, homelessness, substance misuse, childhood trauma and abuse, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse and offending histories.