Now that I’m working for DISC I feel like I’ve got a proper career and not just a job. I used to work as a debt counsellor. I gave advice over the phone but felt limited because I couldn’t meet people face to face or give advice about anything apart from their money. Then I spotted a DISC advert for a trainee drug worker and went for it.

It’s not often that opportunities like that come up. Usually you need work experience. The best thing about the job is working in a great team, meeting clients face to face and being able to offer social support. I enjoy helping people sort out their housing, access activities and look for training and employment opportunities. I’m also developing skills in motivational interviewing and recovery coaching and am finding that my psychology degree is useful.

After working for DISC for nearly a year I applied for a full time job as a drugs worker, got it and am now working towards my DANOS and NVQ drug treatment qualifications. I’m so glad I took a chance and went for the trainee job even if it meant a pay cut. It’s a gamble that has really paid off personally and professionally.