Darren Testimonial

Darren, who regularly takes part in our training at CGL Warrington, has completed multiple courses, including Adverse Childhood Experiences Level 2 and Suicide Awareness Level 2. He is currently enrolled on our SWAP Healthcare programme, where he is working toward his goal of gaining employment.

Darren’s journey into training with 3D began after a long and extremely challenging period in his life. He had been living in a hostel called Queen’s Hall and was struggling with severe alcoholism, which led to hospitalisation. With the support of a dedicated key worker, Darren accessed a detox programme followed by residential rehabilitation. Although he had been through previous detoxes and residential stays before and experienced relapse, this time his mindset was different. He is now 16 months into recovery and remains determined to maintain his sobriety, despite recognising how challenging this can be in a world where alcohol is everywhere.

Wanting to rebuild his life and give back to others who face similar challenges, Darren enrolled on several courses with 3D Training, including ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and Suicide Awareness, and is currently enrolled on the SWAP Healthcare programme. His inspiration came from a growing desire to support others in recovery and from feedback he received during rehab, where he was told he would make an excellent counsellor or support worker because of his ability to listen and show genuine care.

Darren said thanks to 3D Training he is now at a stage where he feels ready to move into employment after such a long personal battle. One of his current goals is to gain access to a car so he can travel more easily to support people in future support worker roles. His passion for helping others is at the heart of everything he is working towards.

This is why Darren has enrolled on the SWAP programme; it’s his chance to give back to people. The SWAP Healthcare programme is a course that offers training that is tailored to specific healthcare job opportunities. The SWAP team will work on an individual basis with Darren to ensure they signpost him to suitable care support worker roles.

3D’s training has had a powerful impact on Darren. He describes the ACE’s course as eye-opening, particularly learning about how the brain works, something he never thought he would be able to understand or achieve. He feels proud of what he has learned and often reflects on how far he has come in gaining an education alongside his recovery journey.

As a natural people person, Darren particularly enjoyed the interaction during the training. He found the sessions engaging and supportive and built strong connections with both the tutors and other learners. He speaks very highly of tutors Julie and Linda, explaining that the environment helped him better understand other people’s problems and experiences.

Darren’s long-term ambition is to become a rehab counsellor, using his lived experience to support others on their recovery journey.

Darren would definitely recommend 3D Training and has already encouraged his daughter, who is currently out of work, to enrol.

Darren would like to say a special thank you to 3D Training, and especially Julie and Linda, for believing in him and supporting him on his journey forward.