Over 100 awards were given to participants in a graduation ceremony at the end of February for qualifications, training and personal development programmes completed by individuals in recovery from drug or alcohol misuse.

Bailie Anthony Carroll, on behalf of the Lord Provost of Glasgow; Susanne Miller, Chief Officer of Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP); and Gary Meek, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Council on Alcohol and Chair of Elevate-Glasgow, welcomed graduates and guests to the event at Glasgow City Chambers on 23 February 2023.

Elevate-Glasgow is a service supporting individuals in recovery from problematic drug or alcohol misuse by delivering a variety of employability services including personal development, training and volunteering experiences, either directly through Elevate or through their partner organisations.

The service offers a person-centered approach, tailored around the individual’s needs and aspirations in their recovery journey. This could include accompanying them to DWP or housing appointments, helping ensure their CV is up-to-date and interview preparation. Support workers are also working to address both the real and perceived barriers that affect people in recovery, including mental health, homelessness, trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

In their first awards ceremony since COVID-19, Elevate was delighted to be hosting the event for more than 90 award winners, and also to celebrate the immense amount of work that has taken place. Since April 2020, Elevate has supported 1,681 people from personal development and qualifications to starting employment and job retention support.

Jonathan, who first engaged with Elevate in 2017, said: “When I found Elevate I was in quite a difficult predicament. I attended an open day event they were at, and when the worker explained that Elevate offered courses and placements for people in recovery who were unemployed, I felt a great sense of relief.

“All I wanted to do was get back to work, but my time with Elevate offered me so much more than that. I was given an opportunity to study, gain qualifications and complete a paid work placement – all of which have taken me to where I am today.” 

Martin Devine, Senior Employability Advisor for Adults and Young People at Elevate, said: “In working with Elevate, I have witnessed individuals build their confidence and self-belief and begin to take their first steps in leaving services behind and becoming responsible members of their community and wider society. 

“The graduation ceremony stands out for me for the simple reason, that in these moments you witness our participants recognising what they've achieved and the impact this has on their lives and the lives of their families.”

Carole Meakin, Business Analyst, Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services (GDARS), which is part of our HSCP, presented some of the awards. Carole said: “Glasgow City HSCP commission Glasgow Council on Alcohol (GCA) to deliver a Recovery-focussed Employability Service (RES) for our Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service. RES is delivered by GCA/Elevate and its partner organisations. The graduation ceremony is to celebrate the success of participants receiving support from Elevate and RES.

“These services have changed the landscape for people in recovery, using their lived experience as an asset, moving into employment and supporting other vulnerable adults with mental health issues, homelessness and addiction.” 

Jackie Kerr, our HSCP’s Assistant Chief Officer for Adult Services and North West Operations and Interim Chief Social Work Officer and who is also the chair of the Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the success of our partner, Elevate-Glasgow, at their award ceremony this week. Their programme is a great example of partnership working across the city to support individuals in their recovery journeys and to reach their goals.”