A HEREFORD man who has overcome a number of challenges has received an award from a leading health and social care provider.

Lukas Oppegaard has had a difficult past that involved homelessness, substance use, trauma, uncertainty and a lack of support from those closest to him.

However, since coming to Turning Point, he has shown great commitment and determination to recover, with support workers noticing that he has engaged really well with the treatment and support provided.

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Mr Oppegaard has undertaken peer mentor training and becoming the first service user representative in Herefordshire, giving him the chance to meet and share his experience of treatment with others who require support.

He has also supported the delivery of an arts and crafts group, been involved with the launch of a pilot music group, the Recovery Street Film Festival, and been involved with interviews to recruit new colleagues.

He was recognised for his hard work at a virtual event held last month.

The event celebrated the achievements of Turning Point clients who have shown courage and resilience to overcome challenges in their lives.

Turning Point CEO, Julie Bass said: “This is the fifth year we have run this recognition scheme to celebrate and share the wide range of inspirational achievements, accomplishments and contributions of the people we support.

“We know how much this recognition can mean to the people we support and how important it is to celebrate the remarkable things they do, particularly when they are faced with a number of challenges and difficulties.

“We support over 165,000 people every year, so to be picked out from such a large population of people is an astonishing achievement. Well done to everyone who has won an award.”