A VOLUNTEER who gives “life saving” support to young addiction sufferers has been shortlisted for Drug Worker of the Year.
Roger Esgrove, from Benfleet has been named as a finalist in the Home Office Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards for helping to transform services at Canvey Island Youth Project. He is one of just 28 winners short-listed for the award nationally.
The ex-police officer, who has devoted 17 years of his life to help young addiction sufferers, will be commended at the Tackling Drugs Awards ceremony on Wednesday.
If he is picked as an overall winner, he could win £10,000 for his organisation to spend on future work.
Roger said: “It means a lot to me to be a finalist and receive such positive comments about my work. The young people I have worked with and helped have all said that they are grateful to have someone there.
“I feel that counselling is crucial because it helps people achieve their future goals, whatever they are. Many young people like counselling and want this support to continue. I have gone through some difficulties in my own upbringing and this award makes me feel like it has been very worthwhile.”
Roger (pictured) joined Canvey Island Youth Project in 1992 when he left the police following a severe road accident.
His experience in the force led him to believe that young people suffering from drug addictions could benefit from more support.
Over the next 17 years he transformed the youth project’s services. He qualified as a counsellor, helped start outreach services and established the Breakthrough group, designed to represent young people in the community. He also set up a drop-in centre with others where young people can come and ask for help.
Roger is only paid for two hours a week, which means most of the time he gives to young people is entirely voluntary. He does not charge for his counselling.
Canvey Island Youth Project co-ordinator Corinne Wheeler nom-inated Roger for the award.
She has described him as a “man of all the talents.”