New Highland employability project for people with experience of drug or alcohol problems is looking for participants
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A new project aims to boost the life chances of people in the Highlands recovering from alcohol and drug misuse.
The recovery worker training project – run by Scottish Drugs Forum in partnership with Highlands and Islands Alcohol and Drug Partnership – is designed to support, train and prepare people to work in social care.
It is modelled on Scottish Drugs Forum’s award-winning addiction worker training project which has been running successfully in other areas of Scotland since 2004.
In the Highlands and Islands, applicants will be supported over nine months to achieve a recognised qualification in health and social care, while gaining work experience through participating in placements in local services.
Sharon Holloway, development manager at the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, said: “We recognise the challenges faced by individuals who have had experience of drugs and alcohol to access opportunities for employment or further education.
“Stigma remains a significant barrier for many and we are committed to tackling the broader inequalities including improving access to housing and employment.
“Working in partnership with Scottish Drugs Forum, local services and partners, we believe the recovery worker training project can provide people with lived experience the chance to build confidence and be an integral part of services which deliver recovery-orientated care. As part of the National Rights, Respect and Recovery Strategy – this initiative will support individuals in their recovery journey.”
As well as assisting local services and developing their own skills and confidence, the trainees also receive an intensive package of personalised support and a weekly wage.
David Liddell, chief executive officer of Scottish Drugs Forum, said: “Over the years, our experience elsewhere in Scotland has been that above 80 per cent of those graduating from the paid employment programme go on to work in either addiction services or the wider social care services.
“The programme therefore not only benefits individuals, but also local services seeking to recruit motivated and skilled workers.”
Colin Pomeroy, senior development officer for recovery worker training project, said it would help meet aspirations to expand the model used for the addiction worker training project.
“This innovative pilot project will use a remote model of working, which will utilise various digital platforms to deliver training, support, a qualification and, ultimately, prepare the individuals to work within the social care field,” he said.
Applications are open until noon on July 21. To apply, visit www.sdf.org.uk/jobs
