Lived Experience Career Pathway
Find out more here about careers and employment in helping others through their road to recovery.
In line with the national strategy, Derbyshire has an ambition to build a ‘home-grown’ specialist treatment and recovery workforce. This means creating pathways and opportunities where people affected by substance use can channel their lived and living experience into careers within the local system.
The Lived Experience Career Pathway to employment aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to support a career within the substance use sector. The pathway is completely free of charge – the only requirement is that you are a Derbyshire resident. All that is asked is the commitment of your time and the willingness to use your experiences to develop your career opportunities.
A dedicated Lived Experience Coordinator will support you throughout the pathway. You will also have access to monthly peer support sessions.
If you would like more information or if you’re interested in enrolling on the pathway, please contact Claire at dhcft.derbyshirelivedexperiencecareerpathway@nhs.net
●For more information on the Enhanced Skills Course: Lived Experience Career Pathway – Enhanced Skills Practice Course
● For more information on the Lived Experience Career Pathway Support Group: Lived Experience Career Pathway – Peer Support Groups!
● For more information on the Intuitive Thinking Skills Course: Lived Experience Career Pathway – Intuitive Thinking Skills Course Information
The pathway consists of three core components:
Complete Qualification
The first step is completing a Level 1 nationally recognised qualification in Substance Misuse, provided by Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES). This is an 8-week course (2 hours per week) delivered online in the evening. You don’t need any prior learning or qualifications – you will be supported throughout!
Enhanced Skills Practice Course
Is a supportive and practical training opportunity designed to help you build confidence, deepen your knowledge, and take your first steps into the substance use sector.
It builds on the DACES Level 1 in Substance Misuse qualification, which you can complete either before or after this course – whichever suits you best.
Each course runs over two sessions. You must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 to complete the training
Access Volunteering Opportunities
Finally, you will be supported to access volunteering opportunities that will help you to gain skills and experience to enhance your career options within the substance use sector.