Supporting staff to achieve greatness! – Former Adferiad service user turned staff member earns Level 4 Diploma qualification.

At Adferiad Recovery we are proud to employ a large number of people with lived experience of substance misuse and/or mental health issues, many of whom originally came to us as service users and are supported into a position where they are able to use their experience to help others.

As employees of Adferiad we are delighted to be able to provide these individuals with meaningful employment and opportunities for both professional and personal growth while they work with us. This was the case for Champions House Manager, George James, who this week has completed his NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Advice, Guidance and Employment through North Wales Training.

George initially came to CAIS (now Adferiad Recovery) as a service user experiencing substance misuse and mental health issues. Following the support he received as a service user to tackle these issues, he became a volunteer with CAIS, before becoming employed as a Peer Mentor on our Cyfle Cymru project. He steadily rose through the ranks, progressing on to become a Team Leader and now currently holds the post of Office Manager at our Champion’s House site in Wrexham. He is now over 10 years in recovery. Before coming to work with us, George held no qualifications, and now he has achieved an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, which he completed with us last year, as well as his newly completed Level 4 Diploma.

On the 25^th of July, 2022, a small event was held at Champion’s House where George was joined by Adferiad Associate Director, Kim Ellis, Cyfle Cymru Project Manager, Lisa Thompson, Julie Evans and Louise Baxter from North Wales Training along with his family and friends to help him celebrate this remarkable achievement.

George said: “I am absolutely over the moon to complete my Diploma. To get from where I was with no formal qualifications to speak of to now be able to wear a cap and gown is incredible. My Mum now has a picture she can pop on the fireplace next to my sisters’ graduation photos!

“I am so grateful for all the support I received from Adferiad to complete this Diploma as well as help and guidance from North Wales Training, my family and friends.”

Well done George! We are delighted to have you as part of our team and to see you continuing to develop your skills and knowledge.