Doncaster drug and alcohol help service Aspire celebrates new volunteer success

A Doncaster service which supports the recovery and well-being of people with drug and alcohol problems has celebrated its newest volunteer mentor graduates.
Julia Armstrong
By Julia Armstrong
Published 3rd Dec 2019, 13:50 BST
Updated 10th Dec 2019, 10:51 BST
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Eight people graduated from Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service’s 15-week Volunteer Mentor programme.

They were presented with their certificates by Aspire’s volunteer and mentor coordinator Lydia Rice and service manager Stuart Green at a celebration event attended by staff, volunteers, family and friends.

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The event was hosted at New Beginnings on Marshall Avenue in Balby, which is part of Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service.

The Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service volunteer mentors with Lydia Rice, fourth left, celebrating their graduation from a training programmeThe Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service volunteer mentors with Lydia Rice, fourth left, celebrating their graduation from a training programme
The Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service volunteer mentors with Lydia Rice, fourth left, celebrating their graduation from a training programme

It is run by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) in partnership with registered charity the Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS).

Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service provides in-patient detox and rehabilitation plus a range of self-help strategies to support people in recovery from an alcohol-related problem.

Mentors undergo a 15-week programme designed to provide training and the skills to enable them, as former Aspire clients and service users, to feel confident in supporting other people who are experiencing drug and alcohol issues.

Lydia said: “I am very proud of all our latest graduates.

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“The skills that they have learnt on the volunteer mentor programme 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 and show that people can get well.”

Lydia added: “Everyone who steps forward as a mentor can use their skills and experience to help others.

“As mentors they will share experiences and offer reassurance to encourage those in recovery to take the vital first steps towards making new circles of friends for a successful recovery.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing drug or alcohol issues and wants to talk to someone in confidence, go online at www.aspire.community or call 01302 730956.

Related topics:Doncaster