POPS & 2nd Chance are delighted to announce the launch of the ARC (Abstinence and Recovery Centre) based at Roberts Street, outside HMP Manchester.
The multi-agency hub (GM West, POPS, 2nd Chance, Acorn Recovery, ADS, Emerging Horizons, Gate Buddies and Rise Manchester) commissioned by NHS England and HMP Manchester, was officially opened Jayson and Andrew employees of POPS who deliver services through 2nd Chance at the ARC. In addition to being part of the 2nd Chance routes to employment project, both men are also supporting ex-offenders coming through the ARC, complimenting the service offered by POPS Family Support Workers, also based at the ARC and working in HMP Manchester.
Speaking at the event, Mark Gilman (Strategic Recovery Lead for Public Health England) underlined the ‘crucial’ importance of peer support, “the real experts in recovery are the people that are doing it”.
The centre has already been working with clients released from custody with a view to building a strong recovery community with direct links to recovery services and Community Rehabilitation Companies. By providing through-the-gate buddies, training, counselling, support meetings, housing advice including families and supporters, and of course great food (courtesy of POPS’ social enterprise 2nd Chance) the hub is literally a one-stop shop.
The ARC launch brought with it a hive of activity ready for the official opening. Television crews, press, service users, families, prison officers and voluntary sector professionals, all gathered for the launch of what promises to be a truly innovative and effective service. Over 250 people attended the launch, catered for by the 2nd Chance team and prisoners from HMP Manchester.
