Michelle Scott’s Volunteering Story
After years of battling with addiction I eventually got well with the support of the partnership in South Tyneside. I was a client of First Contact Clinical for about 2 years. When I left services as a successful completion I decided to give back for all the support I received. I asked if I could become a volunteer at First Contact Clinical to support people through treatment.
I applied and was accepted on the FCC peer mentor programme which took 6 weeks to complete. I was given intense training so I had the skills I needed to become a mentor. I was given the option of what I would like to do. At this time we had a non- engager’s clinic for people who didn’t engage with psychosocial element of treatment. I was working alongside doctors and nurses to help the client to re-engage,this was proven to be a powerful piece of work. I also took part in the social prescribing project.
The challenge for me was using a computer; I was given the chance to sit in the main office with the admin team and over time gained some computer skills. I struggled a first but started to gain some confidence with support from my mentor at the time. The support and skills I gained from volunteering was amazing.
Over time I started to shadow more members of staff, I was asked to be on the interview panel to help identify new members of the team. I felt overwhelmed I was asked, it made me feel important and valued. I was also nominated for volunteer of the year award and I was awarded a certificate from the mayor of south Tyneside.
After volunteering for 15 months I felt confident enough to apply for the role of recovery champion, unfortunately I didn’t get that position at first, I was offered the position of assistant recovery champion, I was promoted to recovery champion within 12 months. In April 2017 I passed my NVQ Level 2 Integrative therapeutic counselling , In August 2017 I passed my Level 3 and I am looking forward to my level 5 to become a qualified counsellor to enable me to move forward with my career. I have built up great relationships in South Tyneside and I am glad to say I am part of the recognised recovery community across the region.
I would highly recommend anyone who wants to better their life and gain skills to become a volunteer with FCC. The skills and knowledge I have gained have set me up for life and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
“Enabling Healthy Behaviour Change”