Supporting those with a history of problematic substance use to
enter employment.
Making it easier for people affected by problematic substance use
to gain and keep a job is the aim of new toolkits developed to
support both employers and employees.
The guidance has been published as part of the Scottish
Government's National Mission and brings a range of information
and advice together including:
- specialist advice for potential employers on how to attract,
recruit and support staff who have experience of problematic
substance use
- 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 advice for providing effective support to staff
who have lived or living experience of problematic substance use
First Minister announced the two new toolkits
and guiding principles document during a visit to Harbour in
Ayrshire.
Harbour is a third sector organisation in Ayrshire which supports
people affected by substance use to focus on personal growth and
employability that was involved in developing the guidance.
Mr Swinney said:
“People who have real experience of substance use offer a wealth
of knowledge which can be of huge benefit to others who have
faced similar challenges to theirs.
"These toolkits will give employers the guidance they need to
support people into the workforce and give guidance to people
with lived and living experience on how to pursue careers.
“Being at Harbour, to see first-hand the impact people with lived
experience can have and the transformational effect that
employment has on their own lives, has been inspiring and I know
that introducing these toolkits and guiding principles across
Scotland will benefit so many others.
“This guidance forms part of the Scottish Government's £250
million National Mission, which aims to reduce harm and deaths
from drugs and improve the lives of all those affected.”
Eddie Gorman, Project Manager at Harbour, 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.”
Background
The three toolkits are:
