A FORMER cannabis user has won an award after turning her life around to help others beat drug addiction.

Judith Podd is Peer Mentor of the Year for charity EDP Drug and Alcohol Services which supports people battling addiction.

The 60-year-old from Poole said she had been smoking cannabis on and off for 30 years and was a regular user for 10 years with her late husband Steve before they got help in 2013.

The couple were referred to EDP Wareham in 2013 by her GP where they attended weekly one-to-one sessions with a support worker as well as group sessions.

She explained: "I found the group sessions where I had the chance to talk to others about addiction and the effect it has on people's lives really helpful. It was particularly helpful to receive suggestions from others to help in my own recovery."

After a year she began helping other service users with phone calls and completing forms as a Peer Supporter before completing training to be a Peer Mentor.

She said: "For me personally, I love the fact I can give back to others some knowledge and experience of what I have gone through and learned throughout my recovery journey."

Judith was one of nine former drug users to graduate as mentors at a special ceremony held at Christchurch Baptist Church.

They will now help other service users overcome substance misuse issues to inspire others with their own recovery journeys.

Judith urged anyone struggling with their drug or alcohol use to get help. She said: "I would say please do not be scared or frightened to approach anyone with your drug or alcohol problem, as there are people out there who can help who will have been through the same or similar experiences and they will be able to help you."

For more information go to edp.org.uk