A PROJECT to help those affected by addiction is proving a big success at Ayrshire College’s Ayr Campus.

South Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) is working with the college to put sufferers through a work-based programme called the ADP Volunteer Peer Worker project.

It equips them with the skills and qualifications to support others in their recovery journey, and provides an opportunity to work towards an SVQ qualification in Health and Social Care.

The course aims to build confidence in the students and teaches them basic IT skills to help prepare them for employment.

Upon completion, the students move on to a volunteer work-based placement while they work towards their SVQ.

The volunteer placement involves the students working in local health and social care services and local recovery projects.

Stephen McLean, the ADP Peer Worker who co-ordinates the project, said: “Many of the people on this project will have had years of social isolation,

“So the project helps develop basic skills, build confidence, and eventually support them into employment.

“Many of the students will achieve great things, I’m convinced of it.

“Working in partnership with Ayrshire College has provided a great opportunity for participants to complete a college course.

“Before accessing the course, a lot of participants thought college was ‘out of reach’ for them – but we’re on our fifth intake now and it’s been a great success.”

One local from the programme’s last intake, Gavin, said it turned his life around. Gavin said: “Before college I had a serious drug issue, I was in and out of prison and had no hopes or aspirations.

“It was clearly explained to me that if you commit to the project and can show you have moved on with your life in a positive way, then it’s possible to move into work.

“This project is taking people who had chaotic lives in the past, and giving them a second chance.

“It’s given me a new life, and it’s also helped me give a little back.”