Be Strong Employability Skills Centre

I've known the Managing Director (Darren Armstrong) for a good number of years now.Darren will be the first to admit that he is a reformed drug addict and ex-prisoner. However, he has completely turned his life around and devotes his time helping others like him.He seeks out people who have just been released from prison and provides them with a roof over their heads, guidance, training and offers them workplace opportunities, only asking in return that they stay off the drugs and don't reoffend.I was horrified to see someone's review on here that tries to belittle the good that Darren (selflessly) does for others.He is so open and honest and would invite anyone to visit 'Be Strong' and wittiness first hand the incredible work they do. So don't take my word for it, go and see for yourselves.

I have worked with Be Strong in the past and followed their journey for the past six years. I have worked in this sector in a senior management capacity and can say with professional confidence that this is one of the most successful projects for encouraging positive change, economic growth and sustainable social engagement of even the most chaotic lives.

I have known Darren for approx 10 years now, possibly longer. As a reformed drug addict he understands 1st hand how difficult it is to first of all get clean, but mostly to stay clean.I know several men that have gone on to Darren's project broken, at rock bottom, homeless and destitute. After several months of support from Darren and the whole be strong team they have turned their lives around. Some of them have even gone on to live 'normal lives' with a family, job and best of all completely drug free. With no reoffending! Amazing!Darren doesn't have a normal 9-5 like a lot of people. He 'works' 24 hours a day 365 days of the year, with no pay! Absolutely no wage whatsoever. The only thing that drives him is sheer determination to change the lives of other people, and the most amazing passion for his project.The longevity of the project speaks for itself. The fact that Be Strong has just had to move to bigger premises due to its success again, speaks for itself. The project is growing week by week and is now branching out to week after seeing a gap for females that needed filling to prevent re-offending and drug mis-use. Let's hope the women's project is as successful as the men's. Because I for 1 know crime rates would be a lot higher in our local area if it wasn't for the work that Darren and Be Strong do.I recently purchased a tumble dryer off Darren and you would of never guessed it was reconditioned! Works perfectly! Is absolutely spotless and affordable.Keep up the good work Darren, their needs to. be more people like you that actually get stuck in and drive the change that needs to happen, instead of sitting back and complaining about things.

He has a big heart just didnt work foer me

I have purchased a washer and a dryer from be strong and they are belters and being close to be strong I can see where the funding goes and the change in people on the project

I bought a washing machine and a condenser tumble dryer from these guys. They had a great choice, good prices, and they delivered and installed them for me as well. I cannot recommend them more - great product at great prices and all for a great cause.

Recently bought a washing machine id like too say id highly recommended them . Very good value staff very lovely too x

My son is on this program and what a vast improvement I have seen in the time he as been there thanks to Darren for giving him the chance that he deserves keep the good work up would defo recommend to people who want to change there life's around

What an awesome charity that makes such a positive impact and changes lives in Bolton, a shining example of community action at its best