Former drug addict gets 'dream job' helping others

Charlie Poole had addiction problems since he was a teen and now works for Derby County Community Trust

A former drug addict has found a "dream job" helping other people in Derbyshire to turn their lives around.

Charlie Poole, 34, was at Jericho House, an addiction rehab centre in Derby, when exercise and football sessions held by Derby County Community Trust became the "highlight of his week" and turned into a career he wanted to pursue.

Mr Poole "loved" the sessions so much he decided to volunteer at the trust in 2022 and went on to host the same sessions he used to participate in.

The 34 year-old, who gained a role as a physical activity and health officer at the trust in September 2023, said his job is a great way "to show people there is more to life than drugs".

Mr Poole during the trust's annual trip to Kenya

Mr Poole, of Darley Abbey, said his addiction started at the age of 16, when he smoked cannabis and was then introduced to crack cocaine and heroin.

His addiction became "really bad" in his mid 20s after his mother died and he eventually ended up homeless.

“Progressively, drugs started taking away from my life," said Mr Poole.

He added that he was "sick of drugs" during his 20s but struggled to get clean and did not seek help until he arrived at Jericho House, aged 30, and stayed for nine months.

“Jericho saved my life and taught me how to be a human being", said Mr Poole.

Derby County Community Trust's sessions were compulsory to residents as they were "encouraged to take part in new experiences with an open mind".

"The sessions held by the trust gave me an outlet," he added.

"It helped me enjoy fitness, which I was never into, and I’m now the guy going in and taking sessions I used to do.

"My goal when I finished at Jericho was to work for Derby County Community Trust, it amazed me how they help in many ways. It was a dream job for me."

'Shining example'

Head of community at the trust, Paul Newman, said Mr Poole is an "invaluable member" of the team and "the wider community".

"It is priceless to have staff working on such a key programme that have first-hand, lived experience of what the client group has been through so they can not only have genuine empathy but also act as a positive role model and source of inspiration as they navigate their way through their recovery," said Mr Newman.

"Charlie is a shining example of how, with the right support and environment, people really can turn their lives’ around and what a powerful impact of ‘giving back’ can have on our communities.”

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