Working with Harlow based charity ADAS for over three years, Alison works closely with individuals to address and resolve their alcohol or drug problems. She has also been at the forefront of setting up new and innovative schemes to engage with ADAS clients.
In particular Alison introduced an art programme for young people and adults experiencing problems to enable them to express themselves without having to engage in counselling sessions that some clients find difficult.
"I felt confident that a creative arts drop-in service would best serve our clients-helping them to engage in activities that really would have enormous benefit to the management of their drug misuse," says Alison.
"I purchased a wide selection of creative arts materials to use in work with clients and I was later provided with my own designated creative art room, which made an enormous difference to the clients using the service. Many of the clients had no previous experience of using art materials.
"Giving them this opportunity to explore their own creativity through the medium of art helps clients increase their self-esteem and self worth. I have organised various functions where the creative work has been exhibited. The most recent one was at the Gibberd Gallery at the Civic Centre in Harlow. I felt and enormous sense of pride seeing the art work produced by our clients hanging in the gallery."
Now, Alison has been nominated for the national Tackling Drugs Changing Lives award 2008. Speaking of this achievement Alison said
"I am delighted that a service I helped to create has grown and developed over the past three years to such an extent that as a result I have now been nominated to receive a national award.
"We are a very small independent charity with only three full time staff and a large volunteer workforce. We have a fantastic team, full of drive and enthusiasm, all of whom are totally committed to our clients. I feel this nomination is a tribute to our client group as much as it is to me and to ADAS. I am so thrilled and excited to be considered for this award".
Recognising, celebrating and rewarding the unsung heroes who change lives every day, the awards are open to an individual or a team who have really made a difference in their local community in tackling drugs.
The winners will receive a prize of £10,000 for their project or organisation to spend on the prevention or treatment of drug misuse.
