We are helping people with living and lived experience of substance use into employment
A graduation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers today [Wednesday, 15 April] marked a major milestone for 30 people with living and lived experience of substance use, as they prepare to begin careers supporting others through recovery.
All graduates have completed our National Traineeship – a nine-month, salaried programme combining work placements, specialist training and vocational learning. Participants gained an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare to support their progression into roles across the drug, alcohol and wider social care sectors – with 85% of graduates securing employment on completion.
Dee Winning, from South Lanarkshire, says: “Being accepted onto the National Traineeship changed my life. Becoming a productive member of society, being responsible and helping others has helped me grow in my recovery.
“I will be forever grateful to Scottish Drugs Forum for the opportunities they opened up for me. I secured a full-time job and my life is better than it has ever been.”
Councillor Allan Casey spoke at the ceremony. He adds: “my warmest congratulations to all of the graduates. Every year i leave this event feeling inspired by the graduates, their stories and their achievements.
“The number of people who complete the Scottish Drugs Forum National Traineeship and go into employment is testament to the strength of the model. This programme underscores that lived experience is a strength, making drug and alcohol services more responsive and effective, and ensuring powerful role models in communities across Scotland.”
Scottish Drugs Forum is the national resource of expertise on substance use. We provide evidence-based information to policymakers, practitioners, people who use drugs and their families – helping them to make informed, life-saving decisions.
As well as giving people with living and lived experience a clear pathway into employment, our National Traineeship strengthens services by bringing staff with valuable first-hand insight into the workforce.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Kirsten Horsburgh, adds: “This special event represents far more than the completion of a programme. It reflects determination, courage and a willingness to step forward into new possibilities.
“I am incredibly proud of all our graduates. Over the past year, they have committed to learning, professional development and personal growth. The progress they have made is significant, and the contribution they are already making within services and communities across Scotland is deeply valued.”
Our National Traineeship is supported by a range of partners who offer work placements for trainees, including WithYou, Turning Point Scotland, Simon Community Scotland and Crossreach.
To find out more, visit SDF National Traineeship – Scottish Drugs Forum