New graduates for Aspire in Doncaster to help addicts recover

Drug and alcohol recovery service, Aspire, is celebrating after graduation of its latest group of peer mentor volunteers.
The Peer Mentor graduates with Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) Chairman Lawson Pater (second left); Lydia Rice, Aspire Volunteer and Mentor Coordinator (centre); Tim Young, Chief Executive Alcohol & Drug Service; Stuart Green, Aspire Service Manager; and RDaSH Trust Chief Executive Kathryn SinghThe Peer Mentor graduates with Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) Chairman Lawson Pater (second left); Lydia Rice, Aspire Volunteer and Mentor Coordinator (centre); Tim Young, Chief Executive Alcohol & Drug Service; Stuart Green, Aspire Service Manager; and RDaSH Trust Chief Executive Kathryn Singh
The Peer Mentor graduates with Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) Chairman Lawson Pater (second left); Lydia Rice, Aspire Volunteer and Mentor Coordinator (centre); Tim Young, Chief Executive Alcohol & Drug Service; Stuart Green, Aspire Service Manager; and RDaSH Trust Chief Executive Kathryn Singh

The service, which runs New Beginnings in Balby and local hubs in Mexborough, Bentley and Stainforth, saw nine new mentors graduate from its 15-week volunteer Peer Mentor Programme during National Volunteer Week.

The graduation event was held at the WellBean Coffee Lounge at Tickhill Road Hospital, a space where the mentors can use their skills and experience to help others.

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Aspire volunteer and mentor coordinator, Lydia Rice, said: “Everyone who steps forward as a peer mentor and attend training and help others can be justifiably proud of their achievement.

“Some have lived experience of addiction, while others are drawn from the community and bring their life experience as well as local contacts. Each of them plays a vital role in enriching the service we offer by using their unique skills to help others who have similar problems. This event celebrates their success and acknowledges the important asset they are to connecting and helping people.”

Since starting in 2014 Aspire has recruited and graduated 120 mentors, 17 of whom have gained full-time employment.

The Peer Mentor programme is designed to enable people to mentor others by sharing experiences and reassurance to encourage them to take the vital first steps towards making new circles of friends for successful recovery.

If you or someone is experiencing drug or alcohol issues and want to talk to someone in confidence visit Aspire’s live chat at www.aspire.community, or call 01302 730956.

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