DDN Magazine April 2023 DDN April_2023 | Page 20

Turning Point ’ s Contact Point service is making a real difference to its clients ’ lives , says Grace Gilmore

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Turning Point ’ s Contact Point service is making a real difference to its clients ’ lives , says Grace Gilmore

The first step into any new chapter is often a daunting one . Movements are made with a sense of anxiety as we head towards a promising but unfamiliar future . That first step into recovery from alcohol and substance misuse is arguably one of the toughest to make . A harsh reality soon hits home that things may get worse before getting better , as habitual coping mechanisms are left behind .

At Turning Point we recognise that asking for help is so much more than picking up the phone . Making that initial step can feel like it comes with the weight of the world , so our aim is to provide every single person with equal levels of quality , compassion and care .
Turning Point has a dedicated team of client advisors ready to guide service users through the referral process . They will offer a judgement-free space where people can feel heard and supported . Our goal is to deliver a standardised approach based on individual need and where every unique journey is met with respect and resolution .
Bernie Jordan has been leading this process with passion and quality for over five years . She ’ s determined to provide a welcoming and effective environment for clients as she recognises that addiction doesn ’ t discriminate and can affect us all .
Bernie
‘ I feel a real affinity that every single person that contacts our service , they could be my brother sister , daughter , or any part of my family . I feel immensely privileged that we are at the front end because I know how difficult it is to pick up the phone and say “ I need some help ”.’
No stranger to hard times herself , she faced a cancer diagnosis in May 2021 . Her resilience persevered as she continued to work throughout treatment and was reminded of how crucial a listening ear can be when overcoming any testing time . ‘ It ’ s those small things that got me through it . Sometimes it ’ s just the smallest thing that has the greatest impact . I never want our team to underestimate the influence that they have at that moment .’
Rachel Carter has also been a long-standing leader within Turning Point . Alongside Bernie , she maps out processes for our advisors , ensuring a streamlined and impactful service is delivered .
‘ Our team ’ s resilience , flexibility , the way that we work , the way that we adapt to change – without the wider team it would just absolutely wouldn ’ t be possible .’
Rachel recognises that as individuals we ’ re all essentially
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