At Wirral Ways, we believe in people – in their potential, their resilience, and their ability to grow. Few stories capture that belief better than Jenny’s.
Jenny first joined Wirral Ways as a Service User Representative Volunteer. At the time, she was living with significant agoraphobia and often found it difficult to even leave the house. But through volunteering, encouragement, and her own determination, Jenny has transformed her life and is now one of the very first graduates of Change Grow Live’s new Level 2 Qualification in Recovery Work.
This qualification, developed in response to feedback from volunteers, was created to give people the skills and experience to move into paid roles in drug and alcohol services. A recent volunteer survey showed that 71% of CGL volunteers wanted to explore careers in the sector. The qualification bridges that gap; combining classroom learning, digital sessions, e-learning, and practical experience at local hubs like Wirral Ways.
Jenny threw herself into the course. Covering modules on harm reduction, person-centred care, health interventions, and medical support, she gained a deep understanding of the recovery worker role.
“It’s just been so amazing… really helpful to learn all the skills and the knowledge but also to get a good foundation of how the service works,” Jenny said. “Before I came into service with Wirral Ways, I had significant agoraphobia. This has helped me personally to overcome a lot of barriers.”
“I want to thank everyone who’s been involved in creating and delivering this course. Jacob, my volunteer coordinator, and Gerry, our service manager, have given me so much support and encouragement. Everyone at Wirral Ways who has helped me with my competencies and given me their time has made a real difference. Mo, our course facilitator, and Helen have been beyond fantastic – the advice and support they’ve given us has been invaluable.” added Jenny.
Before coming to Wirral Ways, I struggled with significant agoraphobia and often couldn’t even leave the house. It’s still there, but it’s now minimal, and this experience has helped me to overcome so many barriers.”
Her colleagues at Wirral Ways have seen that growth first-hand. Jacob Jones, Volunteer Lead at the service, described Jenny’s journey as “nothing short of inspiring.”
“She has overcome significant barriers, including agoraphobia and navigating her own recovery, to fully engage with this qualification. The fact that she has travelled across the country for training, shown up on days when she has been in pain, and still given her all is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion,” Jacob explained. “Jenny truly embodies the values of Wirral Ways and Change Grow Live, and I am immensely proud of all she has achieved. I cannot wait to see what this next exciting chapter has in store for Jenny and am ecstatic to continue working with her at our service.”
Jenny’s development has been both professional and personal. She’s now confident using the CGL case management systems, giving evidence-based harm reduction advice, and supporting people with alcohol and opiate use. She’s built strong relationships across the service and has consistently shown compassion, integrity, and professionalism.
Chris Benfield, Head of Volunteering for Change Grow Live, said the qualification is about creating a fair exchange:
“Volunteers give us their time, energy, skills – and in return, we want to give them something back. This qualification helps them grow, develop, and set themselves up for a future career. To see people like Jenny take that step is an amazing achievement.”
For Jenny, completing the course is more than just a qualification. It’s proof of how far she has come and a sign of what’s possible when volunteers are supported to thrive.
Her journey shows the impact of the Level 2 Recovery Worker Qualification not just on skills and employment, but on people’s lives.
As Mohammed Amad, the project’s lead, reflected:
“There are some things you can measure: passing a course, getting a job. But there are others that you can’t. Jenny’s story, her confidence, the relationships she’s built – that’s invaluable.”
Jenny’s success is a reminder of what Wirral Ways is all about: believing in people and helping them achieve their potential.
Last Updated on 12 September 2025