So, on Wednesday 20th August 25 we saw the DART course being brought to Aberdeenshire for the first time. We met at 10am (sharp) at the Stonehaven Community Centre. The kettle was ready, and we soon fell into great conversations, introductions, getting to know the new faces along with the familiar faces, and some that had travelled far to attend, and the sound of chatter soon filled the room. It wasn’t long before we had to quieten down and get to work.
This has been a long-awaited course so was a very exciting day to offer it to the recovery community in Aberdeenshire.
The DART course is an initiative of ACR’s Partner, Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA), so it was fantastic for ACR, along with our Development Worker, Laura from ADA, to be able offer such a fantastic and worthwhile event.
DART – Drugs & Alcohol Recovery Training is a self-coaching model where we use tips and techniques to help understand ourselves better and learn “how we tick”. It can also assist people to identify and achieve goals and ambitions and to to enjoy a fulfilled and happy life. Over the 6 sessions of the course, we will look at stages of change, recovery capital and resilience to name a few. Each topic which will ignite lots of great conversation in a safe and welcoming environment.
This course is also an accredited learning, Qualification:2 credit points @ SCQF level 5.
On the day, the paperwork was laid out, projector on and the classroom was ready for the learning to begin. With all 8 Students feeling the mix of anxiety and excitement, we were ready to begin.
Icebreakers over, it was not long before everyone was feeling much more comfortable. We delved deeper into learning about Coaching – what is it and what it most definitely not – and we were soon ready to complete assessment 1.
The fear of just that word alone was evident. Many of the group had been out of education for a long time.
As the day continued, we shared our personal experiences of “Comfort Zones” and the feelings we have when these are no longer healthy comfort zones. Conversations continued over lunch with everyone being eager to get back to the course. Laughter continued right to the end with new connections being made.
Sharing our own recovery experiences with other, we all worked right to the end, loosing track of time, immersed in conversations.
Too soon, it was time to pack up for the day, each of us leaving with lots to think about but all looking forward to returning to the classroom in 2 weeks.
Feedback after week one included
“I am so glad I came; I was talking myself out of coming telling myself I wouldn’t manage the work, but I have!”
“I am so excited for what else I will learn over the next few weeks.”
“I am excited to find out who I am now.”
Laura McAllister Sept 2025