Firm to stage its unique story

Chairman of Arts Council England Sir Peter Bazalgette '“ whose production company Endemol was behind TV sensation Big Brother '“ will be among the invited guests when ex-offenders helped by Blackpool firm Jobs Friends and Houses tell their story on the Grand Theatre stage
JFH CEO Steve HodgkinsJFH CEO Steve Hodgkins
JFH CEO Steve Hodgkins

The award-winning organisation, which creates employment and accommodation for marginalised adults in recovery from addiction and ex-offenders, will be taking over the theatre to stage its own production showing how it supports those who are marginalised, disadvantaged or disengaged.

CEO Steve Hodgkins said: “JFH has been described as one of the ‘most exciting’ rehabilitation programmes to prevent re-offending. Now we want to share our learning to inspire others, showing the power and potential of the adults we work with.

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“Our work is relevant to everyone in Blackpool as we improve housing and the offer to tenants, create employment and support people to remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs.”

The event on May 5 will see Professor David Best, a leading academic and expert on recovery, present the findings of his independent evaluation of JFH.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Noble, will also be speaking.

Award-winning author Len Grant will be launching his book, Rock Bottom, which, in a series of photographs and stories, chronicles the first year of JFH and the journeys of its team members.

Places at the event are free, with seats still available. It is open to anyone from the worlds of business, justice,, education, politics, arts and more.

The event will take place on Thursday May 5. To attend, email [email protected]