News

 

'Skins' Star Unveils Award To Bristol Drugs Project

Left to right: Maggie Telfer OBE, Director of BDP, April Pearson, John Prior, Chair of BDP

Star of local TV drama 'Skins' April Pearson (Michelle) who is currently performing in the acclaimed Bristol Vic production 'Suspension' will unveil a national award for local charity Bristol Drugs Project on THURSDAY 26 th MARCH at 11am at its city centre 11 Brunswick Square base.

The award is the Investing in Volunteering hallmark, awarded to Bristol Drugs Project for excellence in their involvement of local people as volunteers.

Maggie Telfer, Director of Bristol Drugs Project said "we are a very busy service providing help to over 3,500 individuals who have a drug problem each and every year and we couldn't do this without volunteers.

April Pearson with the Volunteer Managers. From left to right: Jim Bartlett, Liz Taylor, April Pearson and Rachel Ayres.

Volunteers are not just extra pairs of hands: they bring a range of experience and skills which we couldn't get from one or two paid staff. Our volunteers live right across Bristol, from Knowle to Clifton, Bishopston to St George, St Paul's to Bedminster and we know that they take what they learn back into their communities. Our volunteer opportunities also provide a path back into education and work for people who have overcome their own drug problem but might find that their past makes it difficult to volunteer in many organisations.

And last but by no means least, volunteers are of vital help to us in reducing the major barrier people with a drug problem face each and every day - 'society's' negative attitudes towards drug users. Many of our volunteers go on to work as social workers, housing workers, nurses and so on and they will use their experience at BDP to change those negative attitudes which drug users face in seeking help.

April Pearson described herself as 'delighted to be asked to unveil this award for Bristol Drugs Project - which is tackling such an important issue in my city. 'Skins' attracted a great deal of attention because of its forthright portrayal of young people's lives - including their use of drugs and alcohol. However alongside the party lifestyle Skins also shows the risks involved. Risks that an organisation like Bristol Drugs Project, with its impressive volunteer involvement, is here to highlight and help with.

April Pearson cutting the ribbons to unveil the Investing in Volunteering award.

Bristol Drugs Project is currently recruiting volunteers. Ring 0117 987 6011 or contact recruitment@bdp.org.uk for an application pack.  

Confidential information and advice about drugs and alcohol on 987 6000.

For more information:

Maggie Telfer
0117 9876006
07989 223657
Maggie.telfer@bdp.org.uk