£400k grant saves Norfolk addict centre future

The future of a north Norfolk support centre for addicts, run by the Christian-based Matthew Project, has been secured thanks to a £400,000 grant which will also allow it to extend its services.

 

The Junction, which helps people with drug and alcohol problems from its base in Cromer, has needed a new cash boost since its initial funding ran out in September 2009.

 

Now cash from the Big Lottery Fund will ensure The Junction remains open and will even be able to go ahead with plans to extend its reach which were put on hold when the money worries kicked in.

 

Julian Bryant (pictured above), chief executive of The Matthew Project which runs the Garden Street centre, said the grant was worth a total of £406,462. “It means, together with funding from other services, we can keep The Junction going for five years.

 

“A year or two ago, we weren’t sure what the future would hold. This comes as a great cause for celebration,” he said.

 

The charity will take on another part-time drugs worker and a part-time administrator (click here to find out about the job vacancies) to support manager Andy Wicks, who is currently one of just two paid employees.

 

It will also begin outreach services in North Walsham and Fakenham – something The Junction had been planning since first opening in 2007.

 

Mr Bryant said: “We will be providing support groups for people with drug and alcohol problems, one-to-one groups and we hope to enable people to be trained in terms of getting jobs in the future.

 

“In essence, what we want to do is enable them to stop using drugs and alcohol and equip them for a new life.”

 

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb has been a vocal supporter of The Junction. He said he was “absolutely thrilled” the centre had secured the money and would be around to help even more of his constituents.

 

“It’s a great organisation. I know the work is vital. They can help turn people around so this funding is immensely good news,” he said. “The truth is all communities have problems with drug and alcohol abuse or mis-use and the consequences for families, particularly children, are awful.”