A TOWN centre recovery service for residents experiencing drug and alcohol addiction has been given a glowing review by the Care Quality Commission.

Pathways to Recovery provides support, advice and signposting for those struggling.

The service, commissioned by Warrington Borough Council, operates from a main hub on Bold Street providing a range of treatments suitable to individual needs.

In an unannounced visit, inspectors from the CQC spoke to staff and service users about their experience at Pathways and rated the hub as outstanding - the highest rating a service can achieve.

In their report, inspectors noted how staff treated clients with dignity, respect, compassion and kindness and understood the individual needs of clients.

A a strong person-centred culture was observed and co-production ensured clients were active partners in their care.

Staff also 'empowered' clients to have a voice and realise their potential.

Pathways offers a breakfast club for homeless and vulnerable people that is staffed by volunteers and this was praised in the report for helping up to 20 people with a hot breakfast.

When speaking to service users, inspectors noted how much they praised Pathways and highlighted how they were 'always treated with dignity and respect and did not feel judged'.

Clients also said staff 'went above and beyond their roles to support them in their recovery' and a frequent statement used was 'the service saved my life'

In October, we published Marti Wilde's story - a man who has been in recovery for three years and says Pathways saved his life.

The Orford dad with depression and anxiety since he was young and turned to substance abuse to help deal with his demons.

After ‘hitting rock bottom’ and getting into trouble with the police, the probation service asked Marti to attend Pathways in Warrington town centre to start a recovery plan.

He attended Pathways every day and went to as many support groups as he could fit in.

This encouragement to access community support services and networks was noted by the CQC.

Marti said: “Some of the people I have met at Pathways are the most beautiful people I’ve ever come across and will be friends of mine for life.

“They have all been in the same situation as me, it is great to be around like-minded people who understand what you are going through as often you feel like you are on your own.”

Compassionate, inclusive and effective leadership was observed at all levels with managers who were 'a visible presence'.

Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, public health and wellbeing, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “We’re delighted with this result. It’s a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of CGL service staff and the council’s public health commissioning team, who work tirelessly to provide the highest possible quality of care for some of our most vulnerable residents.

“The harm caused by alcohol and substance misuse can be absolutely devastating for individuals and families, and can affect anyone at any age.

"We want to ensure that people are treated with dignity, respect, compassion and kindness, with service users being active partners in their own care to encourage long-term recovery and good overall health and wellbeing.

“We’re committed to providing a holistic, recovery-oriented service, and providing a range of appropriate treatments and interventions which suit the needs of service users. This outstanding judgement from CQC is testament to the fantastic work that is going on.”