Eight volunteer mentors have graduated from Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service’s 15-week Volunteer Mentor Programme. Aspire is a drug and alcohol service in partnership with Rotherham Doncster and South Humber (RDaSH). The service supports the recovery and wellbeing of people with drug and alcohol problems.
The 15-week programme is designed to train former clients and service users to become volunteer mentors and to have the skills and confidence to mentor others who are experiencing drug and alcohol issues.
The volunteers graduated at an event hosted at New Beginnings on Marshall Avenue in Balby, which is part of Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service. The graduates were presented with their certificates by Lydia Rice, Aspire Volunteer and Mentor Coordinator and Stuart Green, Aspire Service Manager. The celebration event was attended by staff, volunteers, family and friends.
Lydia Rice commented on the event: ‘I am very proud of all our latest graduates. The skills that they have learnt on the volunteer mentor program and their experience play a vital role in connecting and supporting people throughout their recovery journey. Well done and congratulations to all of you. Doing this at New Beginnings offers hope and visibility about recovery ad shows that people can get well.
‘Everyone who steps forward as a mentor can use their skills and experience to help others. As mentors they will share experiences and offer reassurances to encourage those in recovery to take the vital steps towards making new circles of friends for a successful recovery.’
Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service provides inpatient detox and rehabilitation plus a range of self-help strategies to support people in recovery from and alcohol related problem.
If you or someone you know is experiencing drug or alcohol issues and want to talk to someone in confidence please visit www.aspire.community or ring 01302 730956.
Pictured: Volunteer mentors with Lydia Rice (fourth left) celebrating their graduation.