An East Kilbride church is helping people turn their lives around through a group of dedicated volunteers.
The Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Fresh Start Courses sponsored by Calderwood Baptist Church helps individuals overcome addictions from alcohol and smoking to gambling or over-eating.
It has run for the last three years and follows the tried and tested 12-steps method used by Alcoholics Anonymous as well as providing support and allowing individuals to share their experiences with others.
One of the team of five is Murray gran-of-three Elaine Allison.
A health visitor for more than 20 years, Elaine has taken her wealth of experience and is now using it to help others in the community.
She told the East Kilbride News: “I semi-retired a few years ago and wanted to use my time to volunteer.
“I knew about CAP and worked on one of the other programmes run in the church.
“When I heard about Fresh Start, I thought I could use my experience of seeing families affected by addictions but work directly with the people battling them, offering something concrete and sharing my faith.
“However, the Fresh Start course is open to everyone, you don’t have to attend church or share the same Christian beliefs – there is no pressure for anyone to do so.”
Elaine said she finds her role extremely rewarding while recognising it is not always easy.
“People have ups and downs and it’s not always straightforward for them but when you see people turn things around, it makes it all worthwhile,” she went on.
“We have one member who has battled an overeating addiction for many years and since starting their first course over a year ago they have lost a total of 59lbs in weight.
“Another fantastic achievement has been one member who turned their life around by quitting gambling and they are now free
of a debt of around £25,000.”
Elaine is joined by fellow volunteers Norrie Gallagher, Kevin Allison, Kerrie White and Sheena Phillips and it is very much a team effort.
She added: “We are simply sharing that there is hope and we have confidence in the course.
“Although we realise that there can be serious consequences with addictions and dependencies, we generally strive to create a positive and friendly atmosphere.
“There is an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child - well maybe it takes a village to support people to make changes.
“People don’t always feel confident speaking to family about their issues so at Fresh Start there is always someone who understands and real trust and friendship is built as a result.”
The Fresh Start Course began at Calderwood Baptist Church on August 15.
To get more information or see about joining call 07729 312773 or email Elaine on elaineallison@capfreshstart.org
