Working with injecting drug users (IDU) within a multi-disciplinary health service to provide people with holistic and fair physical, emotional and psychological support when they seek it. Provision of clean injecting equipment to people who inject drugs, and reciprical learning of injecting practices from peers whilst advocating safer injecting options when necessary.I feel privileged every single day I'm given insight into someones history and life that has lead them to that point of standing in front of me, as very few people ever get such a raw, honest piece of who someone is, and the strength and hope it has taken to get them through unimaginable circumstances.Substances play a role- they are purposeful; as we are humans, and all we do encompasses some form of gain. When they cease playing any beneficial purpose though, they become a burden.My work entails working with societies view of the most disadvantaged (homeless, dual diagnosis, legal issues, physical health concerns, etc) people within our community, and in some ways they may be (eg. issues obtaining employment due to incarceration); but they are also the most innovative, caring, giving and resilient people in our community whose actions and behaviours are, for a large proportion of people, rational reactions to irrational events that have occured throughout their lives.My role consists of assisting service users to realise their potential again, allow them the space to remove their facade, feel comfortable and focus less on whats 'wrong' with them- and more on building upon positive features and qualities they haven't yet focused on. Humour and equality play a big role, and even though some peoples journey doesn't change or is cut short, supporting someone to realise they have the power to control their own lives and seeing them take it back with cnfidence and bliss is absolutely inspiring; and I cannot compare it to anything.
Listed skills include Case Management, Mental Health, Community Outreach, Nonprofits, and 17 others.