Volunteering at the Blenheim CDP

This article talks to Lorraine, a volunteer at the Blenheim CDP, Portobello Road Project by asking what becoming a volunteer has meant to her.

What is Blenheim CDP?

Blenheim Community Drugs Project (CDP) provides a range of drug treatment services around London. I work at their Portobello Road Project, a drop-in centre for people with drug problems that has been running for about 40 years. The centre offers advice and support to people struggling with substance misuse. There’s a lot going on here, including harm reduction, legal advice, a needle exchange, alternative therapies, onward referrals to detox treatment, day and residential programmes, counselling, our Volunteer Programme and the Education, Training and Employment Programme for clients who have been through treatment. It’s basically a nonjudgmental place for people who are struggling with substance misuse.

What do you do there?

I’ve been here for about six months and work in the Volunteer Programme, answering the phones, taking messages and generally helping to make sure that everything runs smoothly. I’m about to start working on a new project called Start Well. It’s for people recovering from addiction who have become isolated and vulnerable. The scheme helps them gain confidence and the new skills needed to look for a job. Being an addict can affect you in many ways, so people can have different struggles. I’ll be helping clients to choose what sessions are best for them.

How did you become a volunteer?

I applied for the position after hearing about it while being involved in another drug-related project. I’ve lived in Portobello all my life, so I know the people and I know the area. I am also a recovering addict, so I can relate to what the people we see are going though. I have been clean for six years now but have struggled with confidence. Becoming a volunteer has changed how I see myself.

So volunteering has given you a lot?

Absolutely. There were times when I wondered where my life was going but becoming part of Blenheim CDP means so much to me. I’m now part of a busy team where I know I’m also making a difference in other people’s lives. I’m studying for academic qualifications that I didn’t get when I was at school and I’m really looking forward to being a part of the new project.

How would you sum that all up?

Working here has given me ambition  and confidence – I now need to get more experience and maybe I can run the courses that I’m recommending with Start Well.

Find out more

For more information visit the Blenheim CDP website.

Contact Brendan McGrath on b.mcgrath@blenheimcdp.org.uk to find more about Community Services at the Portobello Road Project

Contact Laraine Start, Learning and Development Manager, on 020 8960 5599 or email l.start@blenheimcdp.org.uk for more information on the Volunteer Programme or the Education, Training and Employment Programme.