Archive

Job: Outreach substance misuse worker, Broadway homelessness charity, London.

How long in the job? Five years.

Best training ever done: I have never found short courses valuable. Training is no substitute for a good education. I am doing an MSc at Imperial College, London in drug/alcohol evidence-Newsbased policy, which is very good.

My worst interview experience was: Being formally interviewed by colleagues for a job I had done for more than a year. I had to stop myself saying things like: "What are you asking me that for, you have seen me work?"


The single most inspiring person I have met during my career was: A recovering addict with 18 years' clean time, (no fags, no booze, no nothing, a very spiritual geezer).

Me and my career: I work with hard-to-reach people, mainly rough sleepers who misuse drugs and alcohol and have long-term mental illness. I go out onto the streets on outreach night shifts. I work in day centres and do keyworking. I refer clients onto hostels, detox and rehab. Clients lead chaotic lives. Some move on, some you see again and again. I don't like spending more time on the computer than working with clients. The clients aren't a problem. I know what to expect - they drink, take drugs, beg and steal - and how to deal with it. Colleagues, managers and funders are more unpredictable. What works varies according to the client's needs. For some people in dire circumstances, going to prison will save their lives.


Curriculum Vitae

2001-current: Broadway, outreach worker, substance misuse.

2000-1: Phoenix House, outreach worker, substance misuse.

1997-2000: Looked after his kids while partner retrained.

1992-7: Lambeth Council, drugs liaison officer.

1992-7: Home Office drugs prevention initiative, managed relapse prevention groups.

1990-2: Stockwell Project, drugs/housing advice worker.

1990: Nacro, supported housing officer, young offenders.

All jobs have been based in London.