Bristol business leaders joined key civic and community figures at a recent event to learn more about Bristol Drugs Project’s (Bdp) ground-breaking work to help people who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol get back into employment.
The Bridging the Gap event, held at accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson’s Bristol office, showcased Bdp’s training, development and educational role in the Bristol Recovery Orientated Alcohol and Drugs Service (ROADS).
Funded by Bristol City Council’s Safer Bristol Partnership, the service helps provide volunteering roles, apprenticeships and work experience placements to people who are no longer dependent on alcohol or drugs.
Their work is made possible thanks to the involvement of five key partners – Voscur, Windmill Hill City Farm, Demand Energy Equality, Business in the Community and The Community Farm in Chew Magna.
Bdp chief executive Maggie Telfer said: “The event provided us with an opportunity to launch our newly-extended service, introduce our partners and showcase the work we are doing; four of our clients – people who are no longer dependent on drink or drugs – gave inspiring contributions about the vital role work-based experiences being made available to them play in their recovery from drink and drug problems.
“We would like to encourage as many employers as possible to consider whether they may be able to support us in getting people back into work, by offering meaningful volunteering or work experience opportunities within their organisations.
“Research has shown that if people can find positive, constructive employment to fill the huge void left by drink and drugs, and build the confidence and skills needed to re-enter the workplace, they have a much greater chance of being able to stay drug and alcohol free and rebuild their lives.”
Smith & Williamson Bristol managing partner Mike Lea, who is also a Bdp trustee, added: “We were very pleased to be able to host the event and provide a platform for the charity to showcase the wonderful work they do. We hope as many businesses as possible will get behind the initiative and help to create opportunities for people who have turned their lives around in often very difficult circumstances.”
Among those attending the event were Avon and Somerset chief constable Nick Gargan, deputy Lord Mayor Peter Main, Lord Lieutenant of Bristol Mary Prior, High Sherriff of Bristol Dr Shaheen Chaudhry
Pictured, from left: John Prior of Bdp, Jane Oakland, partner at Thrings, Mike Lea, Maggie Telfer, Nick Gargan, Mary Prior, Peter Main and Dr Shaheen Chaudhry
