A PIONEERING project helping people out of drug and alcohol addiction, as well as those with poor mental health, is celebrating the successful launch of a book showcasing the creative talents of its clients.

The Spider Project, based in Birkenhead, is a creative, community, recovery well-being service that has been operating on Wirral for more than eight years.

Wirral Globe:
The launch of Ninety Nine on Wednesday. Picture by @TheODcentre ​

Spider, as it is known, is abstinent-based and is aimed at people overcoming drug and alcohol addiction and people suffering poor mental health.

It also works with families and carers of people still in active addiction.

Wednesday saw Spider launch its latest offering ‘Ninety Nine’ – a book of 99 stories each containing 99 words written by Spider’s writing group.

It also contains stories from local writer Kevin Sampson – best known for his novel Awaydays – and actor, musician and poet John Gorman.

Liverpool’s singer songwriter Mick Head of Shack and Pale Fountains has also shown his supporter by writing his very own 99er, and Wirral band The Farm have also lent great ongoing support, with singer Peter Hooton recently becoming the patron of Spider.

Head of project Mel Bowen said the book shows that people are much more than their addictions and problems.

He said: “At Spider, people can try their hand at the likes of creative writing, film production, drama through to kayaking, sailing, cookery and football.

“It’s about not seeing people as drug users. Everyone who comes here has something to give.”

Ninety Nine is filled with funny, sad and surreal tales, all condensed into 99 words.

And, in keeping with its name, the book sells for just 99p.

“We were absolutely packed for the book launch – it was standing room only,” said Mel.

“We made £350 from book sales and donations. We’re hoping to get the book on Amazon and Kindle soon too.”

The Spider Project also offers welfare and benefits advice as well as employment support, CV writing and interview techniques.

Mel said: “All the courses and workshops are designed to rebuild and develop people’s confidence to become valued and productive members within their own communities.

“Spider prides itself on developing and establishing community assets from within the membership of those that come through its doors seeking help to find the road to recovery, inclusion and empowerment.”

Work is often showcased through film, art and photography exhibitions, books and publications, all created at the project by its members.

While Spider, based on Hamilton Street, is primarily for recovery and well-being, Mel hopes it will soon become a place for all of the community to enjoy.

“We want to create a cafe where people can come in, we want to create a real sense of community here. Spider is built on community, trust, honesty and respect.”

  • For more information about the Spider Project or Ninety Nine, visit spiderproject.org.uk or call 0151 647 7723.