The Support Team at Abbeycare
Liam Mehigan (Service Manager)
I took up post at the Abbeycare Foundation in 2007. Since then it has been a very challenging but exciting period having a lead role in developing our alcohol treatment service. I believe the team at Abbeycare have developed a special service in terms of the environment and the therapeutic program provided. This has been recognized by our regulatory authority the Care Commission who have recognized the quality of service we provide through their inspection process. I find it very rewarding to be able to support service users through the early stages of recovery. It is very rewarding to witness the change in people from the initial stages of denial, hopelessness and often despair to a place of acceptance, responsibility and belief in the recovery process. I have approaching 10 years experience of supervisory/management in mental health and addiction services. I completed my post graduate certificate in drug and alcohol studies at Glasgow University in 2006 and completed my RMA in June 2010.
Catherine Aird (Senior Support Worker)
I have worked for Abbeycare for the last five years as a support/key worker, and before that I was the first client in 2005. I have watched the foundation grow over the past seven years. I have completed three years of my counselling and psychotherapy advanced diploma, attained my social care SVQ levels 2 and 3, have completed my PDA in Supervision as well as various courses with Scottish Training in Drugs and Alcohol (STRADA). Due to my own personal experience with alcohol, I have been able to better understand and support people with this problem and help them start their journey into an alcohol free life. I am passionate about helping people change their lives and enabling them to find freedom from their conditioned self. I am very outgoing and happy, with a zest for life. I like hill walking and the spiritual realms of life.
Kerry McKinnon (Senior Support Worker)
Throughout my life I have had many experiences of addiction. I have seen the impact that alcoholism can have on the person themselves and their families. Due to this I have an understanding of the nature of the disease and was keen to work in this field.
I have studied at University and have gained a BA in Social Science. In my third year in particular I studied many psychology modules which included counselling psychology and brain and behaviour which I have found very useful in my interaction and understanding of the clients.
I have now been employed by the Abbeycare Foundation for two and a half years. During this time I have attended many STRADA courses which have enhanced my work performance. I also returned to University in September 2009 to study for an MSc in Social Work.
I have found the team at Abbeycare very supportive and I have been able to learn much from each and every one of them. The part I enjoy the most about my job would be seeing clients walk out of the door to begin a new life. During their stay at Abbeycare they have worked hard and have equipped themselves with the knowledge to help support themselves in their recovery. I believe Abbeycare works from the inside out. The programme increases peoples self awareness and educates them about the disease of alcoholism. Physically, spiritually and mentally people develop and this growth in confidence in an inspiration to watch.
Michael harkin (Support Worker)
I took up the post at the Abbeycare Foundation in 2011, after initially securing a temporary placement that allowed me to complete my studies at college with regards to gaining my HNC in Social Care. I was initially drawn to Abbeycare, as I was keen to work within an environment that I felt would challenge me on a number of levels which, in turn, would benefit me positively in my on-going carrier in social care. The thing that stands out most about my first experience of working at Abbeycare is the level of support and encouragement that I have received since my arrival. I feel that this is a testament to the staff who currently work there and their desire to support and help not only their colleagues but also the clients who use our service.
Prior to working at Abbeycare, I worked as a prison officer. This gave me superb insight into the impact that addiction has on people and the effects it has on their everyday lives. Experiencing the effect of addiction at this level was a determining factor in my desire to work in the addictions field and to offer a level of support to people that would enable them to make the life changes required to conquer their problem. During the time I have spent at Abbeycare, I feel that I have grown in myself and have a better understanding of the dilemmas and everyday problems that people with alcohol dependence face in their lives.
I continuously strive to improve my knowledge and practice and I am currently completing my SVQ Level 3 in Social Care, PDA in Addictions and a Diploma in Counselling. Outside of my profession, I have varied interests and spend a lot of my spare time either training or playing rugby for my local team in Cumnock or at home, where I have another good team of a son and two daughters who are only too keen to keep their dad occupied on his days off!
Linda McPhail (Support Worker)
I have recently joined the team here at the Abbeycare Foundation. I was drawn to the position after gaining some information and knowledge of the organisation and the work they carried out. I was intrigued and inspired by the service provided at Abbeycare. I had longed to to find a place of employment in the addiction field where a true genuine compassion was the motivation. I have come from a family affected by addiction and understood from a young age how powerful addiction can be and the devastaing impact it has over families. I have completed the COSCA certificate in counselling skills and I’m currently completing my HNC/SVQ3 in Social Care. I have a particular interst in cognitive behavioural therapy and hope to complete a Diploma in CBT next year. I have 5 years experience working in the addiction field and love my role here at Abbeycare. My motivations are seeing the transformation in people who have gained the knowledge to empower them into a new and exciting life. I believe anyone has the power to beat addiction, if they so desire.
Liz Pollock (Support Worker)
I have worked in Abbeycare Foundation for 16 months and as a support worker, part of my role is involved as a ‘Step Guide’ to introduce the (12-Step) programme of recovery as a new way of life. I also insure positive life changes around relapse prevention, I enjoy my role, as I have supported people with alcohol problems for the past thirteen years. I am blessed to see so many people turn their lives around with the help of the dedicated team and the programme of recovery.
Abbeycare has allowed me to grow as a support worker, by encouraging my on-going personal development, COSCA Certificate, I have completed various training courses related to alcohol, completed the SVQ Level 3 Social care. It is a privilege to be part of a team, to support individuals broken by alcohol and transform their lives into contented sobriety.
Patricia Ramsay (Support Worker)
I started at Abbeycare as a volunteer and I am now a support worker, and have been since January 2009. Personal experience with alcoholism in my family has made me conscious of the damage it can do to both the alcoholic and the family members around them. My experience of broader problems of addiction enables me understand the client’s problems. Everyone is friendly at Abbeycare and we work as a team, focused on supporting the clients 100%. Working at Abbeycare has really helped my own personal development I like going on walks, swimming and playing tennis, and I am an avid reader. I completed my COSCA certificate in counselling in 2009 and I have completed various training courses relating to alcohol addiction, including a number provided by Scottish Training in Drugs and Alcohol (STRADA). I am hoping to complete my SVQ 3 in 2010.
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