First Minister visits Ayr to launch new job scheme for people recovering from addiction
First Minister John Swinney was in Ayrshire as he launched a new toolkit to help make it easier for people affected by problematic substance use to gain and keep a job.
Harbour Ayrshire, a charity dedicated to helping people recovering from addiction, based in Ayr, hosted the launch on Wednesday, June 18 after playing an integral part in the development of the toolkit.
Mr Swinney spoke with staff and volunteers at the charity during the launch and poignant, real life stories were shared highlighting the difference that the right support can make to an individual with an addiction.
The guidance has been published as part of the Scottish Government 's National Mission and brings a range of information and advice together.
It includes specialist advice for potential employers on how to attract, recruit and support staff who have experience of problematic substance use as well as information for people with lived and living experience of problematic substance use on how to pursue a career in the drug and alcohol sector.
Best practice has been shared within the guidance providing advice for effective support to staff who have lived or living experience of problematic substance use.
Speaking to Ayrshire Live about the new toolkits, Mr Swinney was confident it would make a difference on the ground.
He said: "Today marks the launch of guidance that the Scottish Government is setting out about supporting individuals with addiction as part of their route to recovery to be supported into employment.
"What I have seen here at Harbour Ayrshire is an incredibly powerful example of how that challenging journey can be undertaken and undertaken really effectively.
"Some of the life stories that I have heard today, I will never forget.
"I think what today is an opportunity to do is to set out the approach that we think can be taken to provide purpose and focus in people's lives when they face addiction or suffer from addiction but then to be able to see that put into practice.
"I have seen this very vividly at Harbour Ayrshire.
"In practical terms, what this will do is it will give a template of how individuals can move from addiction into employment and to have a more positive life making a more positive contribution to society.
"The guidance explains the approach that can be taken. What I have heard from Harbour Ayrshire is that the guidance is essentially reflecting the approach they are taking.
"I've heard a number of case studies of really outstanding practice that have made an impact on people's lives.
"The work that we are doing on drug and alcohol addiction is about trying to help people to overcome that addiction and to make positive choices in life and positive approaches.
"I'm confident from what I have seen here today that the guidance the government has developed will support that"
Eddie Gorman, project manager for Harbour Ayrshire, said: 'These resources offer practical guidance grounded in lived experience and will be vital in helping organisations create safer, more inclusive support for those affected by trauma, addiction, and adversity.
'They provide a clear framework to build trust, foster resilience, and ultimately support people to rebuild their lives.'
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