Conference reaches people with addictions

A church conference focusing on addicts and addictions saw 43 people respond to the Gospel message.

Fixed was organised by Barry Woodward, an evangelist and former drug addict who now runs the Proclaim Trust.

Around 400 people took part in the conference at The Bridge Church, Bolton. They included addicts, recovering addicts, and people working in addiction-related services and ministries.

Woodward said he wanted to equip and challenge people "to live better".

Sessions explored "tough love", how to handle and mentor people with addictions, and successful recoveries.

The conference included a time of prayer for people with addictions and six people were baptised at the end of the day, including one recovering addict who was on day release from prison.

He approached Woodward during the day and thanked him for writing his book, "Once an Addict", in which Woodward tells his own story of addiction and recovery.

Woodward said the day was a "huge success" and there are now plans to host another Fixed conference in the future.