Elevate Marks a Decade of Empowering Recovery and Employment Support
This week, Elevate is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of dedicated support to individuals in recovery and helping them into training, volunteering and long-term employment.
Launched in 2016 as a strategic partnership between what was then Glasgow Council on Alcohol (GCA) now Murray’s Initiative, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and a network of third-sector organisations, Elevate has spent the last ten years focusing on person-centred employability support for people overcoming drug and alcohol problems. The partnership was established in response to a gap in services, aiming to combine health-led recovery with practical opportunities for education, training and employment.
Over the past decade, Elevate has become an embedded service within Murray’s Initiative, supported through funding from CORRA Foundation and The Robertson Trust. During this time, the service has become a trusted source of support for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. Support includes tailored personal development, employability coaching, mock interview preparation and volunteering opportunities — all designed to help participants gain confidence, qualifications and meaningful work experience. Independent evaluations have consistently highlighted the programme’s success in enhancing skills and opening pathways to long-term positive outcomes.
For many participants, the impact of Elevate extends far beyond employment outcomes. One participant reflected, “Elevate works wonders for your self-esteem, character, and hope.” Another shared, “Elevate gave me an immense belief that there are good people out there who really do care about making a difference.”
Participants frequently describe the service as transformative in both personal and professional terms. “With the support of Elevate I’m doing things I wouldn’t have been able to do a few years ago and I’m so excited for the year ahead,” said one individual, while another noted the lasting impact of gaining new skills through the programme: “Thanks to Elevate I’ve completed the COSCA Counselling Skills course. It’s really changed my life and how I interact with my family and people in my volunteering role.”
For some, the significance of Elevate is even more profound. As one participant simply stated, “Elevate is more than just an employability service, it saved my life.”
“This anniversary is a tremendous milestone,” said Lesley Ross, CEO. “Elevate has helped countless people take practical steps toward sustainable futures, bridging recovery and opportunity in a way that truly transforms lives.”
Looking ahead, Murray’s Initiative remains committed to evolving the service to meet changing needs in employment support and recovery pathways, ensuring the service continues to support Glasgow residents to achieve lasting recovery, confidence and employment for many years to come.