Kitchener CTS employees worry for their futures [Video]

Kitchener’s consumption and treatment services (CTS) site is not only a place where people can use drugs under medical supervision; it’s also the workplace of people who have first-hand experience living with addiction or substance abuse issues.

Some of those employees are speaking out about the province’s plan to shut the site down.

Jenn Wyse is a peer support worker, whose role involves getting to know CTS clients, making sure they feel comfortable and establishing genuine relationships.

“It’s easier to trust someone who has been there,” Wyse said.

The goal is to get clients to come to the CTS to use drugs in a safe environment and encourage them to come back in the future.

“It takes a lot of sharing my story with them to let them know, ‘I know what you’re feeling,’” Wyse said. “I know that when you’re using, it’s hard to have somebody look at you.”

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