About Us
Murray’s Initiative is an independent Scottish charity that works to reduce alcohol and drug‑related harm at both individual and community levels. Established in 1965, Murray’s Initiative adopts a long‑term, trauma‑informed and asset‑based approach to changing the culture around substance use. Its services are built on a person‑centred, harm reduction model, supporting people whether their goal is to reduce consumption or achieve abstinence.
Murray’s Initiative offers free, confidential counselling services for people concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking. It delivers a range of interventions including group work and employability support as well as a number of holistic and inclusive services, such as a women’s service for survivors of gender‑based violence, young people’s peer education service, LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing support and tailored wellbeing programmes.
Murray’s Initiative is also a recognised provider of professional development, offering a comprehensive training portfolio including education aimed at increasing awareness of alcohol use and promoting healthier lifestyles, COSCA Counselling Skills and a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Murray’s Initiative delivers services over 6 days per week and throughout Glasgow, EastDunbartonshire and EastRenfrewshire, helping people make meaningful, positive change in their lives. The foundation of Murray’s Initiative is our supportive and inclusive culture for all who engage and work with us.
About the Role
The Group Worker – U‑Turn Peer Education Service will support our peer‑led Harm Reduction Service (U‑Turn) benefiting young people aged 11–25 years. The role involves designing and delivering youth‑led inputs on issue‑based topics, with a focus on incorporating harm reduction approaches and addressing stigma/language around substance use.
The Group Worker will have responsibility for developing weekly groups for our Peer Educators to take part in training around areas such as leadership, team building, issue‑based topics and wellbeing. These groups will provide a safe, trauma‑informed space where individuals can feel confident to develop coping skills and resilience. The service specifically targets some of the most vulnerable young people in areas where Murray’s Initiative currently delivers services, aiming to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs within their communities. The Peer Educators will be supported to deliver peer‑led inputs to other young people on issue‑based topics, with a focus on a harm reduction approach and a separate element addressing stigma/language around drug and alcohol use.
The Group Worker – U‑Turn Peer Education Service will report to the Service Manager – Education & Development. This post requires a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership for both Children and Adults – successful applicants will be required to join the PVG Scheme.
