New Way is built on the lived experience of the team.
Meet Mike. The creator of our organisation and the driving force behind the team. His gentle approach has a way of putting people at ease and his empathy and concern for others wellbeing makes him a very valued and committed member of the team. He's always there to lend a listening ear and some words of wisdom and makes time for everyone who knocks on his office door. His main aspiration is to make a positive difference in the lives of other people according to their own particular goals and choices. He is completely non-judgmental, and our team would not be complete without him.
Chair and lead Mike brings 18 years of experience in social care specialising in drugs, alcohol and addiction issues (Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol, The Richmond Fellowship Scotland, Helensburgh Addiction Rehabilitation Team), but including adults with autism (Huntercombe Group, Moorpark Place), various homeless units, (Blue Triangle Housing Association, Rosshead Housing), young people (Action for Children, Hear 4U), and commercial care organisations (Lifeways Glasgow) . He's an accredited addiction counsellor with SVQ4s in Leadership and Management of Care Services and Social services and Healthcare plus 18 years professional development and SSSC registrations.
Meet Ann-Marie, our family group coordinator. Ann-Marie is always eager to help. She's committed, enthusiastic and energetic. She has a can-do attitude and is good at getting things done. She is full of good ideas and brings a caring energy to everyone she comes into contact with. Her motivation towards helping others and dedication to the organisation and its principles make her an integral link in the New Way chain.
Ann-Marie has nearly 8 years of experience working with families affected by substance use. She has trained with Scottish families and brings nearly 8 years of training and CPD including CRAFT training and Family Recovery College.
Meet Chris. A passionate, reliable, caring and valued member of the New Way team. Chris is a great listener, and he is very friendly and approachable. The whole team appreciate his ability to give honest and solid advice in a genuinely kind and thoughtful way. His dedication comes from his lived experience, and he brings to the team a vast wealth of knowledge and skills. We also love Chris's amazing sense of humour! The team really would not be the same without him.
Chris has experience supporting his veteran peers with mental health issues through the organisation Combat Stress. He has a vast experience of working with children and young people leading outdoor activities including hillwalking, kayaking, climbing etc. and is qualified MTLB (Mountain Leader Training Board). Chris is currently working towards his counselling accreditation with New Way, and we know he'll be a huge asset in his new role!
Meet Marie. Marie brings a warmth and a genuine touch to our team. She connects easily with everyone due to her friendly and comforting approach. She cares about others and makes time for everyone. She has a nurturing quality which puts people at ease, and she always makes sure the kettles on! Her sunny smile and kind ways makes her a great asset to the team.
Marie has experience working with young people in various schools as well as supporting adults and families. She has spent time working at SAMH and has been a befriender through local authority initiatives. She brings 25+ years of experience in the support field.
Meet Lynne. Lynne has such a friendly and welcoming presence. People find it easy to speak to her. She is kind, caring, genuine and authentic, and totally non-judgemental and this makes her a very valued member of the team. She has a bubbly energy and is a ‘people person'. She has a bright friendly smile and a comforting presence and is approachable and compassionate with everyone she meets. She also has a great sense of humour!
Lynne has experience working in group settings with people affected by their own or someone else's drug or alcohol use. She has a history working with young people helping to support them with various issues. Lynne has completed numerous training courses. Some of these including drug awareness, mental health first aid, first aid, alcohol awareness and naloxone training.
Meet Gill. Gill is our co-ordinator here at New Way. Gill is a very understanding, compassionate and approachable member of our team. Her lovely caring nature makes her extremely supportive to everyone she meets, staff, volunteers and people who use the service alike. She makes everyone feel comfortable and with that they can gain trust easily. Gill makes time for everyone who needs her support. She is an amazing listener and is empathetic in every situation. The team wouldn't be the same without her. She is the glue that holds the charity together.
Gill brings more than 14 years of counselling experience and professional development in the addictions field (Helensburgh Addictions Rehabilitation Team) working with people who struggle with substance use, their families, and young people (Hear4U, Cool2Talk) affected by substance use and other issues. Qualifications include COSCA and SACC and she is currently working towards her accreditation in advanced alcohol counselling.