MANX LOTTERY TRUST SUPPORT FOR THOSE COPING WITH ADDICITIONS

An in-demand charity’s quest to support those in need in a post-Covid world is to gather significant momentum, thanks to the Manx Lottery Trust.

Motiv8, which offers support and assistance to people who have addictive behaviours - or are concerned about someone they care about with similar problems - has received a grant of £50,000 which will enable them to train up existing members of the team to become accredited CBT therapists.

Motiv8 recently became an accredited training centre which means it can also offer those with demonstrable recovery from addictive behaviours an opportunity to train as peer mentors. After completing the course run by Motiv8 the trained peer mentors can go on to support others in the early stages of recovery.

Demand continues to grow for its services which include helping those with alcohol, drug misuse or gambling problems via one-to-one counselling and support, parenting groups and daily group sessions.

CEO Thea Ozenturk explained: ‘As with so many organisations, Motiv8 is only now starting to understand the impact of Covid-19 on its client groups and planning for the future mental health needs of those impacted has never been more important.

‘Now more than ever people in our community are struggling with various addictions and we know that early support and intervention has a better long-term outcome, which is why we are so grateful for the ongoing support of Manx Lottery Trust. It is making a real difference to both the counselling environment and support we can provide.’

Last year, the organisation moved to new premises on Woodbourne Road in Douglas – doubling its previous capacity – to accommodate a growing number of clients and create more space for the sessions. It now has a dedicated children and young persons’ room, a groupwork stand-alone suite and eight counselling rooms.

Manx Lottery Trust Chairman Sarah Kelly added: ‘The work Motiv8 carries out in the community is essential and makes a genuine difference to those who rely on it for effective and appropriate support which is why we were pleased to offer this grant so it can continue to help people in need.’

To find out more about the work of the Manx Lottery Trust, which distributes grants like this and many other as part of its remit as delegated partner of the National Lottery Community Fund, visit: www.mlt.org.im.