Phil's Road to Recovery and Beyond!

A full circle moment for Phil

A Lincolnshire man who has battled addiction is now helping others rebuild their lives after gaining a qualification with Realise.

Phil Jackson has faced a long battle with alcohol dependency and was admitted to a rehabilitation centre on a six-month programme.

While undergoing treatment, Phil met staff from Realise, who were observing and assessing health and social care learners.

After finishing his own rehabilitation, Phil decided to enrol on a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care with Realise and began volunteering as a Support Worker in the very same centre where he had received his own treatment.

A show of commitment and tenacity

Partway through the training, Phil relocated to Lincoln to care for his partner but was able to carry on and complete his Diploma – and today he is a part-time Employment Connector with the Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, run by Turning Point in partnership with Double Impact and Framework.

Phil, 54, said:

“Addiction is something I have dealt with for a very long time. I needed that period in the rehabilitation centre to get myself straight, not just physically, but psychologically and spiritually.

“I knew I wanted to use my experience to help others, so I enrolled with Realise, and it was fantastic. The Diploma covered such a wide range of topics from safeguarding to duty of care and person-centred approaches.

Training to unlock your potential

“The training was outstanding and has definitely helped with my role as Employment Connector, which is all about offering peer support during structured treatment and recovery. While I believe the health and recovery of my clients is paramount, my role is to support people in their endeavours to gain and sustain paid employment.

“It’s a very challenging job with disappointments along the way, but also very rewarding.

“I had to take a break mid-course as I moved to Lincoln, but Realise and my tutor, Jo, were so supportive and made sure I could continue my studies regardless. They believed in me when others sometimes haven’t.

“I’m excited for the future and definitely want to continue helping people with their recovery from drug and alcohol problems. It has given me a new focus.”

 

An undeniable passion for adult care

Trainer Jo praised Phil’s commitment to the Diploma programme and desire to help others.

She said:

“Phil has a passion for learning, and this was evident from day one. He gave me valuable insight into the recovery journey as well as the service he worked for.

“Even when he had to move midway through his course, he was keen to carry on and performed exceptionally well.

“I’ve observed him in his new place of work and he has the passion to help others by getting them to talk openly about their goals, lives and fears, offering the vital support they need.

“I’m so pleased for Phil and wish him well for the future.”

From all of us here at Realise, we congratulate Phil on his incredible personal and professional achievements.