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.
The Level 1 in Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training, delivered by Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES) as part of the Lived Experience Career Pathway, has been continually fully booked, reflecting the strong importance in embedding lived experience in our recovery community.
This nationally recognised qualification, delivered online over eight weeks, supports learners to build foundational knowledge around substance misuse, risk-taking behaviours, and resilience. Its popularity highlights the value placed on accessible, meaningful training for those looking to take the first step into the field.
Following the success of previous cohorts, the Enhanced Skills Practice Course delivered by Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS) is preparing to welcome its next group of learners this November. The course builds on the Level 1 qualification and offers a deeper focus on practical skills, peer learning, and real-world application.
Another Level 1 course is planned for the New Year, and further updates about future opportunities will be shared in due course.
● For more information on the Lived Experience Pathway: Lived Experience Pathway to Employment – Growing Recovery in Derbyshire
Still got questions? Contact Claire the Lived Experience Career Pathway Co-ordinator at dhcft.derbyshirelivedexperiencecareerpathway@nhs.net
