●	The Double Impact Volunteer Academy (DIVA) is a project open to Double Impact service users who have been engaging with our service and are ready to take the next step in their recovery journey.

●	DIVA is a work placement programme set up between Double Impact and various external employers that offers placements in the private, voluntary and public sectors.

●	Our aim is to help service users re-integrate into their community, gain new skills and valuable work experience in a variety of fields.

●	We have previously set up placements in housing, administration, reception work, peer support, group work / teaching support, customer services, family work, buildings management and music production.

●	The placements last for a period of 6 months and generally involve a time commitment of approx. 6-8 hours per week.  This helps our service users build their confidence, increase their self esteem and also improve their CV and employment prospects.

●	Once in placement volunteers receive ongoing supervision from the Volunteer Coordinator at Double Impact.  The coordinator will also meet regularly with the external employer to ensure they are also satisfied with the placement.

●	Double Impact runs the GATE (Guided Access Towards Empowerment) Mentoring Service supporting anyone within the drug and alcohol treatment system in Nottingham.

●	GATE Mentors always work in pairs and will support those who need it to access other services and appointments necessary to their care by meeting up and then accompanying them to their destination.

●	Mentors are required to undertake training for this role and will complete OCN Level 2 courses in Mentoring Skills (including both theory and practical elements) and Drugs Awareness.  Double Impact also ensures that mentors have an enhanced CRB check.

●	The GATE Mentoring Service aims to work with the preferences of service users wherever possible e.g. providing same sex mentors if required.

●	The service is available Monday to Friday and between the hours of 9am and 5pm and can be accessed by calling our main contact number (below).

●	Mentors are able to access support, if needed, through the Mentor Coordinator – a full time member of the staff team who oversees the service.