FOR a reformed drug addict, finding work and rebuilding your life can be a daunting task, but there is one organisation in Harrow who are able to lend a hand.

Based in Congress House, Lyon Road, Maatwerk are part of a company formed in Holland in the 1980s and are now funded through the "Progress 2 Work" initiative of Jobcentre Plus. Their small team of three run regular sessions with those with drug problems, helping them to take steps to succeed in employment or education.

Maatwerk's Project Manager Marlies Kruitbosch said: "We find out where they are at the moment, what's positive but also what is holding them back. We don't go into the past too much because we want them to concentrate on their future. We ask where they want to be in a month, a year or two years. It can be difficult for them to think that far ahead, but once we do then we can start making it happen."

Since the launch of the project in July this year, Maatwerk have helped 55 clients, who are usually referred to them by addiction centres such as the Harrow Community Drug and Alcohol Service in Bessborough Road. Of these, 14 have managed to find jobs or education places, while many others have made significant progress.

One of these is 24-year-old "Chris", who said that his addiction to cocaine and prescription drugs disrupted his previous jobs. "I used to have a part-time job in a DIY shop but that kind of fizzled out as things got worse. I ended up in rehab and it was around that time that I heard about Maatwerk. Now I come in for weekly sessions and it has given me confidence and an idea of what I want to do. I'm still not 100 per cent sure but things are certainly much clearer."

When they first register with Maatwerk, clients are given a personal "coach" who helps them set goals and provides practical advice as well as moral support. They can help with every stage of the jobseeking process, with advice on letter writing, presentation and interviews, and can also discuss any worries over finances or housing. Even once clients get a job, they keep in touch for up to three months to ensure things are going well.

"Ted", 26, smoked heroin from the age of sixteen but was able to make a clean break this year. He said: "I was on drugs for ten years, and had been arrested. I went to prison for two weeks while my girlfriend was pregnant, and I saw it was a place I never wanted to go back to. The baby was born soon just after I got out and I realised that I had to change my life and seek help to get me out of trouble."

After joining Maatwerk in July, Ted was able to get a steady job at Blockbuster Video, and is now planning to take a part-time course in counselling and social work so he can help others overcome similar problems.

"My friends ask if I miss the drugs, but I'm not even thinking about it now. There's a lot more to life than that, especially with a daughter to look after. Maatwerk have helped me get my job and also my perfect course, which is what I want to do in the long run.Before, I just used to get depressed, but now it is about getting on with my life."

To find out more about Maatwerk and Progress 2 Work, call 0800 085 1556 during office hours or visit www.maatwerk.com.