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Rachel
trying our best to cope . She highlights that although our methods may vary , focusing on the person behind the habit is what ’ s truly important .
‘ I mean , we ’ re all coping in a certain way , and life is tough . I can completely understand why people may find themselves in that situation .’
The pair lead by example and are enormously proud of the front end that ’ s delivered across Turning Point . Both believe in our resilient team and trust that we ’ ll exercise the same quality and compassion with each individual client .
Our client advisors are here to make loads a little lighter and prospects for the future much brighter . Through emails ,
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Gary
inbound and outbound calls they sit at the frontline of service ready to deliver a triage service for those who need it most .
Gary has been making a difference at Turning Point for over three years and was previously part of the management team for Turning Point ’ s Rochdale and Oldham branch . He ’ s been working as a client advisor since early last year and uses his 30-plus years of experience within addiction to support our team .
‘ I ’ ve enjoyed the move to be honest , but I think it ’ s a tough job . You guys do a brilliant job with engaging people and being the face of Turning Point at the start of someone ’ s journey . That kindness , appreciation , warmth , welcome , understanding , expertise and knowledge that you all have , well I ’ ve been so impressed by what my colleagues deliver .’
Gary stresses the importance of providing a non-judgemental ear . He ’ s aware that the world surrounding addiction can often be an unforgiving one and strives to ensure each client feels understood .
‘ I think that helps people overall – you ’ re not shocked or judging but just listening . Maybe not accepting but trying to understand and hear them out … anything that suggests that they ’ re going to get a hearing and they ’ re not being bounced around and that somebody cares matters so much .’
We also have Liv . Liv is a senior client advisor and has been with us for more than two and a half years . Her efforts are not only to support clients but to support our team internally guiding us to the most appropriate outcome .
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Liv
‘ I ’ ve never worked in a team that ’ s so supportive , I feel like you get recognised for your hard work ,’ she says . ‘ I think that encourages you to keep going .’
These valuable resources have been applied to her life in supporting her mother , who sadly lost her partner to substance misuse . As tough as this has been to face she uses this adversity to combat stigma surrounding addiction and encourages others to engage in open conversation .
‘ I think it was just having those difficult conversations with family and with friends , making sure more people are aware that it ’ s not a matter of choice and it can be fixed . It ’ s an illness and it ’ s treatable with the right support in place .’
Gemma
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Gemma ’ s used her own experiences of alcohol addiction within the family as fuel to help others . Having supported her parents and brother ’ s battles with alcohol she is fully aware of how crucial the support we offer is .
‘ I think it ’ s probably the only job I found where I enjoy coming to work , even though it can be stressful , I love knowing that you ’ re helping somebody take the right step … You can hear the relief from somebody because they ’ ve not spoken about it before .’
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Her time at Turning Point is only just beginning , but the difference she ’ s made has been profound . She exercises an abundance of empathy and understands how impactful those crucial moments with clients can be .
‘ This is how they ’ re going to see the treatment in service from now on . So if the referrals are great , you give all the advice and they feel like they ’ re supported , then they ’ re more likely to engage .’
Grace
As a member of this team , I find our hard-working desire to make a difference to be what truly makes us unique . Being an active part of this team of client advisors has been a humbling , eye-opening and gratifying experience . I ’ m continually impressed and inspired by the work we do each day and couldn ’ t be prouder to represent Turning Point . Our compassion stands undoubtable , abilities are invaluable and guaranteed support is always accessible .
My understanding surrounding addiction will continue to grow but one concept remains very clear – talking about any issue is the best way to combat it . Reaching out for support is a daunting process and is worthy of the attention it warrants . We can all help by providing a safe space for people to speak and if they bravely decide to share – simply listen .
Addiction is a complex and allconsuming illness and leaves its victims in a harsh and unforgiving grip . But when it ’ s time to fight back , our team at Turning Point are sitting in ready and waiting on the frontline with you .
Grace Gilmore is a client advisor at Turning Point
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