GREAT HARWOOD DISTRICT WI

THE Great Harwood District WI meeting took place on February 14 where Colin Mottershead of the Salvation Army gave an inspirational talk about life in their Bramwell House facility.

He was influenced by his community minded Christian grandmother in his earlier life and also family life with his children.

Fostering also helped prepare him for the challenges in the Army’s home in Blackburn.

He has now spent 28 years in the Salvation Army.

Bramwell House supports homeless people from Blackburn, many of whom are former soldiers with post-traumatic stress from their war experiences.

The diverse residents – men and women – include refugees, some with trauma, people with mental health issues and drug abusers.

New drugs such as spice are now being taken.

These ‘legal highs’, far stronger than cannabis, heroin and crack cocaine lead to frequent ambulance callouts to the home and some sudden deaths.

Usually a trigger in someone’s life leads to addiction.

The home has a ‘back group’ with weekly meetings of residents who with staff guidance wean themselves off drugs.

Walks and other activities also help.

The chaplain runs a 12-step AA programme and the staff aim to help residents deal with alcohol, drug and mental health problems.

Life skill groups teach residents to live independently – with cookery lessons and budgeting help, with an aim to get them into training and employment.

Supervised online training such as health and safety and basic food routines can be done at the centre.

Colin and the team behind him do all they can to help the residents.

It is a religious organisation so prayers are held at the daily staff handover and religious events are held such as talks from those who have had a life changing experience.

The home holds 55 residents who normally stay from three to six months but can stay for 12.

Residents pay money towards food and heating and the home obtains housing and helps to support people on benefits.

More information is available on Facebook.

The Army also provide safe houses for victims of trafficking and provide refreshments to firefighters at major fires and also at police incidents.

The next meeting will be held at Bank Mill House, Great Harwood at 2pm on March 14 and will feature music and verse from ‘Senior Moments’.

Visitors and potential members are welcome.