For more information on the evening please call 01642 234227 or email sssl-pg@tees.ac.uk
Successful master's graduate Debbie Simmons is one of the School鈥檚 successful master鈥檚 graduates. Debbie, 43, from Darlington, achieved an MSc in Contemporary Issues in Drug Use, following two years of part-time study. Debbie is originally from Holland and moved to the North East in her teens. She works for DISC (Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities), a charitable organisation. She is presently the manager of the four Young Peoples鈥� Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services across the Tees Valley.
The projects provide pharmacological interventions, psychosocial interventions, needle exchange, outreach and structured activities for young people up to the age of 18, who have problematic drug and or alcohol use. Debbie first learned about the MSc while in a previous post working within the local prison service. Debbie said: 'I didn鈥檛 realise the course was out there until someone brought me the information. I felt I needed to enrol on it, for my personal development and to further my career. The course explored the regional, national and international picture behind drug use, which was invaluable for my work. Most of my experience was through my work with my clients, now the master鈥檚 gave me the academic learning and theory I was looking for. 'Doing the master's while working full-time with two children was a challenge but I had the support mechanisms in place. The University鈥檚 communications for part-timers, such as blackboard and email were very helpful as well. The MSc has helped me to further my career, having worked for many years with adults I鈥檓 now working with young people and providing them with the opportunity to not become an adult with problematic substance use. I am presently undertaking a CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Diploma.'