A REFORMED addict who had been set to spend his twentieth consecutive Christmas in jail has 'graduated' instead thanks to a Bradford drug and alcohol charity.

The 36-year-old man, known as Kevin, was one of 23 people to receive certificates of achievement for successfully completing a support programme with ARCH, based in Shipley.

The programme is delivered in partnership with the Probation Service, and is one element of an offender's Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DDR) order, part of community-based sentences handed down by the courts.

People 'graduate' from the programme, which is designed to break the cycle of substance misuse that can lead to crime and prison, if they successfully complete each stage of a comprehensive recovery plan involving practical life skills.

Kevin, who admitted to started taking drugs when he was 14, was given an opportunity to turn his life around when the courts offered him a DDR order last autumn, the alternative being another spell in prison.

"If I've been offered support in my life in the past, I've kicked it away," he said.

"I tried this five years ago and it wasn't for me. I wasn't ready.

"I got one more chance with the DRR, and something just fell into place.

"It was because somebody believed in me. I feel like a totally different person now and I think about all those wasted years in prison.

"ARCH has taught me how to get to the root of the problem rather than thinking negative. Looking back I've realised I was an angry man.

"I didn't know who I was, I was like a rabbit in the headlights."

Some of the service users who had graduated from the ARCH programme were given their certificates by Colin Stansby, substance misuse commissioning manager for public health at Bradford Council, during a ceremony at the charity's Merchants House offices yesterday.

"The number of people coming through DDR programmes has increased dramatically in recent years, but, more importantly, the number of people coming out of the system who have ended their offending and starting to access training and employment has also increased significantly," he said.

"It is a multi-impact programme, with health benefits, community benefits, and benefits for the justice system.

"When these people's lives are at their most chaotic, the maximum amount of support is wrapped around them, and the programme is a huge step towards their overall recovery."

Laura Caryl, team manager at ARCH, said the graduation ceremonies were held at various points throughout the year to celebrate the achievements of those in recovery.

"These events provide an opportunity not only to showcase individual achievements, but also to demonstrate to other service users that recovery is achievable and that there are continuing opportunities to develop both personally and professionally," she said.

Alongside his support programme, Kevin has also completed an NVQ in health and social care with ARCH's support, and now wants to pursue a career as a social worker.

"My life is brighter," he said.

"I've had support from so many people, and I've gone from strength to strength.

"I'm just a lot more optimistic and looking forward now."

To contact ARCH, call 01274 809800, or search for ARCH Bradford on Facebook.

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