During Volunteers Week 2025, an Award Ceremony was held at Turning Point Scotland for TPS Connects members that had successfully completed Buddy Training and Volunteer Training.

Buddy Training is an 8-week course that commenced in February 2025. This course covered citizenship, relational dynamics, the buddy role, confidence and self- esteem.

Following on from the Buddy Training, participants are given the opportunity for progression through Volunteer Training. This training course covers industry standards, being a volunteer and the transition of being supported by a service to being a supporter within a service. These training programmes were led by Inclusion & Access Co-ordinator, Terri Sutherland and supported by co-facilitators Darren, Robert and Danielle.

All together six members of TPS Connects were awarded for completing the training programmes. Congratulations to Arlene, Gerry and Joe who completed both Buddy and Volunteer Training. One member was especially grateful to be accepting these awards in front of their family members and friends as it had only been six months since they had been supported by a Turning Point Scotland service. They said, “I have put my heart and soul into this. I want to help others now and show them there is a life ahead.”

Further congratulations went to David, Eilidh and Stuart who completed the Volunteer Training programme and were awarded their certificates.

The six members of TPS Connects came from a variety of different backgrounds and services across Turning Point Scotland. A special thank you was given to staff at Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Recovery Residential Stabilisation Service, Turnaround, Glasgow Housing Support Service and Flexible Homelessness Outreach Support Service where these members had received support before becoming a TPS Connects member.

Terri Sutherland said, “This is a real privilege for me, and I learn from the group. There has been a real willingness and openness from every member, and you are all part of a community now. Peer support is extremely powerful and makes a real contribution to our organisation- it makes Turning Point Scotland what it is! You should all be really proud of yourselves. It is a real achievement.”

Following on from the award ceremony there was a surprise 10-year service award for TPS Connects member Phil Foley. Phil has volunteered at Turning Point Scotland to plan and facilitate the bi-annual TPS Connects Conference, support people with access difficulties between services and head office as well as setting up “What’s up” meetings for people currently supported by services. The ‘What’s Up” meetings allow people to talk about how they are feeling, feedback on the support being given and plan for a positive future.

Phil said, “Today has really struck with me how important this is. New TPS Connects members bring fresh ideas and energise what we do. Going to services and seeing people grow makes it all worthwhile. Well done to every single person that has broken the mould. I enjoy being a volunteer.”

The ceremony ended with a closing statement from Craig Winter, Director of Business Development and Improvement. Craig said, “Firstly I want to personally congratulate and thank Phil for his 10 years of service. Phil has a can-do attitude every day. I would like to congratulate everyone that received an award today too and look forward to having you volunteer at our services. It is important to acknowledge the precious time that people here give to help others. It is the very real human connections that is relatable and important for going forward. This provides spirit, community, values and an ethos that is carried through the culture of Turning Point Scotland.”

Well done to all the facilitators, award recipients and volunteers.

Terri Sutherland, Inclusion & Access Co-Ordinator