In November CAIS hosted the 2012 Peer Mentoring Awards to celebrate the achievements of individuals, who through the Peer Mentoring scheme have accessed training courses, entered further education, found employment and taken part in a range of volunteering opportunities.
Local actor Bruce Jones was the guest of honour who presented the Awards alongside the CAIS Chief Executive Clive Wolfendale. Bruce kindly shared his own experiences of depression with everyone and spoke of how inspirational he found the work of the Peer Mentors and participants.
During the afternoon certificates were awarded to 50 individuals for completing a range of training courses. These included confidence building, drug and alcohol awareness, relapse prevention, communication skills and a BTEC in employability skills. The scheme also promotes the many benefits of volunteering. By organising a range of community clean-ups and restoration projects across North Wales the team have helped to challenge negative preconceptions about those in recovery, break down barriers and promote inclusion. So far this year the volunteers have organised 50 volunteering events that have helped to benefit local communities.