Project History
2002
The Spider Project was launched in March 2002 when Gerry Linford was appointed as ‘Relapse Prevention Therapeutic Groupwork Co-ordinator.’
2004
In March 2004 Peter Naylor was appointed as project worker to develop the creative aspect of the service.
2005
In April 2005, Spider left MerseyCare to become an independent company and appointed Phil Thornton as administrator/fundraiser in June of the same year.
The project was officially re-launched in January 2006 with a screening of a short film The Funeral written, produced and starring Spider Project drama group members and readings from members of the creative writing group.
2007
Due to expansion Spider moved from its office in Blackburne House to new premises at 88 Rodney Street in April 2007, offering an expanded range of services in situ.
In June 2007, Sandra Dillon joined the team to co-ordinate service user involvement and progression.
2008
Spider launched a service for the Wirral in July 2008 as part of the Big Idea initiative in collaboration with Arch, Intuitive Recovery and Phoenix Futures. Mel Bowen was appointed to manage the Wirral service.
In December 2008 Spider was voted North West Drug Team Of The Year at the annual Tackling Drugs and Changing Lives Awards.
2009
Again, due to the service expanding, Spider moved premises to a larger, self-contained building at 22 Pilgrim Street, Liverpool in March 2009.
PJ Smith joined the team as a trainee drug worker in April 2009 following a successful six month work placement.