“I was going through a tough time, and I needed to start my life again,” explained Scott Anderton. “I had gone through quite a difficult time in my life, I received treatment for both alcohol and drugs, so I had been isolated for quite some time.
A matter of years ago, the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust employee was battling with drug addiction and substance abuse, suffering with depression and anxiety as a result.
He also saw the breakdown of personal relationships and found himself homeless on several occasions.
Now employed by the Community Trust, Scott, who now has his son back in his life, is about to re-embark on his studies, joining university to fulfil his dream of becoming a primary school teacher.
“I found out about Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s FIT Fans programme when I was doing some stuff with Creative Football, who work alongside BRCT,” he opened up, speaking on World Mental Health Day 2022.
“I was given a leaflet about the programme, and I signed up straight away. I absolutely love the programme and it gave me the motivation to start implementing big changes I needed to make my life.”
In his part-time role supporting the Neighbourhood Youth Offer programme, Scott his rediscovered his motivation and is determined to succeed with a more positive outlook to his long-term future goals.
“Blackburn Rovers Football Club are close to my heart, and it is a dream come true to be now working here,” he continued. “I also work in a primary school now part-time; I have completed the Great North Run and I am starting a teaching learning support course with the target to become a primary school teacher.
“I have got my son back in my life too and that is amazing. My mental health, confidence and diet have all improved and I am so happy.”
Neighbourhood Youth Manager, Rowena Hayhurst, recognised his qualities and has worked closely alongside Scott during his journey.
“I first met Scott when he came to our offices, and he was introduced to me by our colleague, Chris McGrail, and he explained how he was involved with Creative Football and FIT Fans.
“Scott was interested in working with young people, and I explained to him about our Neighbourhood Youth Offer,” she said. “He left my office with a big smile on his face, he applied for a role, and he was successful.
“From the moment I met Scott I knew he had the potential to be a great youth worker, he was friendly, approachable, and very open and honest. He spoke so affectionately about his son too and how it taught him how to communicate with young people and children. “
Now, thanks to the programme, Scott has turned his life around.
“I am immensely proud of Scott, he has proved so many people wrong, he takes one day at a time in his recovery and is very thankful for the opportunities he has been given to become the person he is today.
“Blackburn Rovers Community Trust are great at working with people who need an arm around them and offer additional support for people to be able to realise their full potential. We will always support them in their journey to discover how amazing they are, and that is what has happened with Scott, and we are extremely proud of him.”