Barrow's The Well names volunteer 'who turned his life around' as top employee

Lee Atkinson, 42, from Kendal, has worked for Barrow's Well Hub since October 2020 and was named as its top employee last month.

After recovering from addiction, Lee decided to work with the non-profit community interest company, which was founded in 2012, in order to pass on his lived experience to help others in the community struggling with addiction and isolation.

COMMUNITY: Lee Atkinson has been nominated as employee of the month by The Well CIC (The Well CIC Facebook)

Lee said: "My life was one where I was trapped in fear, and it was The Well that opened those doors for me. Now I want to do that for other people.

"I've been employed at The Well since October 5, last year, and I've absolutely loved it. It's my first proper job that I've really been able to throw myself into.

"I want to give it my all and I love it.

"I started out as a volunteer before Ged Pickersgill opened doors for me. I began volunteering in the shop, we did some stock collecting and working round the homes.

"It really lit a fire in my belly and I wanted to keep going.

SHOP: The Well’s food hub where Lee has volunteered his time

"They then asked if I'd like to take on a part time position of employment as an outreach worker. I've worked here and there, everywhere really.

"It's a flexible job and I like to give things go.

"Before The Well was catastrophic. I was living on the margins of society. I got mixed up with the wrong people at a young age. This led to a life of drugs.

"But I was able to benefit from this. I used my lived experience to turn the negatives of the past into the positives of today. I used my experience to help others avoid it.

"I'm a big believer in wellbeing and community spirit. It's more than getting off drink and drugs, it's about making a bridge to normal living.

"My personal message would be one of hope. If I can turn my life around anyone can. There is help out there and there are people willing to help.

The volunteers at The Well do it because they genuinely want to. It's more than a job.

It's a way of life and we want other people to share in that life so we can all go forward together."

To get in touch with The Well you can visit their website or telephone 01229 829832.

CHARITY: The Well is a not-for-profit community interest company with branches in Barrow, Kendal, Morecambe, Fleetwood and Lancaster