How Volunteering with TCA Helped Ellie into the Workplace!
Ellie, 23, is a third-year psychology and counselling at Abertay University. This is her story of volunteering with TCA....
TCA
TCA works alongside people, families and communities to mitigate the impact of substance use, gambling, offending and other risky or harmful behaviours. We seek to challenge stigma, inequality, discrimination and marginalisation
About us
TCA grew from a grassroots desire to support individuals struggling to cope with problem drinking. TCA was registered as a Charity in 1973 and formed into a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1986. Although the organisation has grown, and the range of services has expanded, we have remained true to this underpinning ethos of responding to the needs as expressed by the people and families living in communities across the three local authorities of Tayside.
How we can help
We deliver services across the three local authorities of Tayside and our services are adapted to meet the needs of the Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross communities. Whether you are looking for support for yourself, worried about a friend or someone in your family, a professional looking for information or advice, we can help. Click on the buttons below to find out more about the services we provide in each area.
How we can help you
We deliver services across the three local authorities of Tayside, and our services are adapted to meet the needs of the Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross communities.
How you can help us
Volunteering for TCA – Erin’s story
I hadn’t heard of TCA until I got a volunteering opportunity through my university. When I read about the great work they do to support young people in Dundee, I had to get involved. I have continued to volunteer since I graduated.
My first volunteer position was as mentor, which I did for just over a year and I am now volunteering with the girls group ‘The Klub’.
I think particularly during the pandemic, volunteering with TCA has helped me become more adaptable. COVID has been extra tough for young people and it’s important we can support them. TCA provides a safe space for them to come chat, learn new things and have a laugh!
Volunteering for TCA is a great opportunity to work with a range of different people. The young people are fantastic and always keep me on my toes!
Watch more of Erin’s story on YouTube.
Rebecca’s story
When I started counselling I was suffering with really bad anxiety, as well as insecurities. I struggled leaving the house, going to school, asking for help or even making a simple phone call. It was a horrible time in my life.
At first counselling was scary. I was telling this stranger my life story, all my problems, everything. But as the weeks went on I got more confidence and comfortable. It was like sitting down and chatting with a friend, telling them about my week as well as how I was feeling.
Through counselling I was able to overcome my insecurities and gain so much confidence. I am much happier and healthier overall. I have learned how to cope with my anxiety; I find it easier to do the tasks I used to struggle with. I think counselling is an amazing thing that everyone should consider at some point in life.
TCA news
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TCA Service Spotlight – Adult Counselling
TCA are proud to offer a wide variety of services across Dundee, Perth and Angus - from 1:1 sessions, mentoring, group support and everything in between, there's a project to support anyone! This 'Service Spotlight' series aims to showcase the range of services TCA offers to individuals, families and the community. To kick things off, we're beginning with Adult Counselling. One of our longest running projects and available across all three office areas, our 1:1 support sessions for adults have changed the lives of many throughout the years. Adult counselling is suitable for individuals who are considering behaviour change with regards to alcohol, cocaine, NPS, cannabis or gambling. We also support those affected by another's substance use....
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TCA Becomes a Volunteer Charter Champion!
TCA are now signed up to the Volunteer Charter and are now pledged as Champions, meaning the organisation will be added to Volunteer Scotland's list of Charter Champions!...
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Intandem Launches at TCA!
TCA are excited to have officially launched our Intandem service at DC Thomson on January 30th! Intandem Family Mentoring aims to build positive, trusted relationships with children and young people, aged 7-15 years old, living in kinship arrangements. Volunteer mentors meet with their young person regularly and consistently, choosing activities to do together that they enjoy. Alongside weekly mentoring with a trained volunteer, Intandem family mentoring also provides support to the wider family. This is tailored to each family’s needs and takes the form of practical or emotional support from staff or volunteers, such as a listening ear, help with strategies to manage relationships or build routines, and support to access other services....
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TCA’s Birch Weekly Women’s Group
Since April 2024 our Birch Project has been running a weekly women's group. This is a great way to get the women accessing our service to come along and meet new people, explore the community and learn new skills....
