IN ADDITION TO taking a holistic view of drug and alcohol dependencies, Westminster Drug Project (WDP) works in partnership with colleagues in the criminal justice system, and throughout the statutory, voluntary and private sectors, to support people with addictions in every aspect of their lives. It takes a similarly rounded view of its 361 staff, offering them a range of training opportunities. Over the past year, for example, workers have been guided in dealing with domestic violence and parenting skills. They say their work is an important part of their lives (an 82% positive score and a top-10 ranking on the mid list) and agree that their jobs are good for their personal growth (78% and seventh place). The charity began 21 years ago as a small community service in Westminster, and today the staff work alongside 110 volunteers to deliver services in 22 locations across London and the southeast of England. About 40% of the managers at WDP are “home-grown”. Staff get time off to study for work-related qualifications, as well as financial support. “I have been to a lot of training and it's all been excellent. I really like having the opportunity to look at my own needs, see what's available and be able to request training I'd like to do to my line manager,” says one employee. The chief executive, Stuart Campbell, shares leadership of the charity with the chairman, Yasmin Batliwala. Colleagues agree they run WDP on sound moral principles (69%). www.wdp-drugs.org.uk
