Recovery Stories: Peer support for Connection and Compassion Enabling Recovery from Alcohol and drugs

Di Mitchell is lead practitioner for peer support services in Banff, with Turning Point Scotland. In this podcast, Di shares her journey from engaging with the service as a client, to becoming a practitioner and professional in her own right and providing services in the Banff area. Di’s peer support work is deeply person-centred, offering opportunities and activities for personal transformation and freedom from addiction. Di shares her perspectives on the benefits and challenges of peer support, including how services are addressing the stigma surrounding drug and alcohol addiction, and on the future of the service.

Amanda Stephen is lead practitioner for peer support services in Fraserburgh, with Turning Point Scotland. In this podcast, Amanda shares how she initially engaged with the service during active addiction and early recovery, and how this built and led to a professional role in provision of peer support services. Amanda describes how the service supports people in recovery to connect, build confidence, trust and relationships of loving acceptance through safe, consistent and authentic peer support. Amanda also shares insights of a changing drug and alcohol scene in Fraserburgh, especially with regards to young people, and outlines the potential of the service to respond; through a focus on prevention as well as to provide support for people in recovery.

Kathleen Donaldson came to be involved in peer support volunteer services following the death of her husband. Kathleen describes being a peer supporter in her community, and how her work addresses the stigma and isolation associated with addiction that she experienced. Kathleen outlines the breadth of highly person-centred support through peer work, and personal rewards related to belonging, identity, recognition, purpose, improved quality of life and being a valued member of the community. Kathleen provides these services on a voluntary basis.

Ashley Grant came to be involved in peer support through her own journey of addiction and recovery. Following 10 years of heroin addiction, Ashley engaged with and took up peer support worker roles for recovery groups across Aberdeen City and Shire. Ashley’s peer support work promotes acceptance, integration and inclusion, empowering people to recognise who they are and build on their skills and strengths to overcome addiction. Ashley has recently started new work on the uptake of national standards for safe, accessible, quality drug treatment in Scotland.