BARRY JOINS OUR TEAM

Hello to all readers of EDGES, my name is Barry and on the 1st of November I took up my post as Project Worker with the T.H.O.M.A.S. organisation. For the past 6 years I have been involved in work with people with addiction problems, I hope that the skills I have acquired and developed over this period can be of benefit to that wide band of people T.H.O.M.A.S. touches in its daily work.

My start here has introduced me (I'd like to say gently but it would be nearer the truth to say explosively) to the varied and wide range of activities that happen under the roof of 'the house'. An enduring impression for me will be the warm and friendly welcome extended to me by all involved with the project; it enabled me to feel accepted and made my 'settling in' period a stress free time.

I have said in the past, and it is still true for me, that working with those who have addiction problems is difficult, often frustrating and sometimes bitterly disappointing but the rewards, when they happen, are an absolute delight to experience.

So, what prompted me to want to work in an area where 'results' are difficult to come by, where success is far from guaranteed? It could have something to do with the fact that when you see the faces of those who have managed to turn their lives' around, to come back from the brink of serious illness or even death, you know that you may have played a part in helping them help themselves. People can change from using chemicals as a way of coping to coping as away of avoiding chemicals.

It could also have something to do with the fact that prior to 6 years ago I spent a long, long time in the grips of addiction. I am familiar with the despair and desperation that dominate an addict's life. I went and found help when my life was at its darkest, I am eternally grateful to those who pointed me in the right direction and walked a little way with me. Then, as it is with any addict, it was up to me.

For 6 years now I have been trying (and succeeding a little, I hope) to put something back into the world that gave me a second chance.