Graduates Honoured at Our Elevate Employability Ceremony
This article is from Summer 2025, when Murray’s Initiative was known as Glasgow Council on Alcohol. Learn more about our new name here ➔
In September 2025, Murray’s Initiative (then GCA) proudly hosted a ceremony for Elevate Employability’s graduates at Glasgow City Chambers. The event recognised the success of more than 100 graduates who completed a wide range of training and education programmes designed to support recovery, build confidence and open up new opportunities.
The ceremony was opened by Baillie Anthony Carroll on behalf of the Lord Provost, followed by a welcome from Chief Executive Lesley Ross and contributions from Glasgow City HSCP and Glasgow City ADP. Together, they highlighted the power of partnership working in helping people progress into training and employment.
Awards were presented across multiple programmes, including COSCA Counselling Skills, Venture On, Access to Creative Industries and Elevate Essentials. Graduates were also recognised for their success in SVQ placements and college courses in personal development, health and wellbeing and psychology.
Three graduates shared their personal experiences:
Charlie McCormick, now working with Move On, expressed his gratitude for the support he received. He thanked James at With You, Shug, Denise and the whole team at Move On, as well as Matthew, Ashleigh and Lisa from Elevate for guiding him through his journey.
William McGlaughlin, who now delivers an alcohol support group in the south of the city, said:
“I can’t thank GCA and Elevate enough and everyone involved in the running of that service. I can’t explain or put into words how good this COSCA course actually was — it really was something I will never forget.”
Louise Ralston spoke powerfully about starting out as a counselling client at GCA and how her journey has brought her to training as a Volunteer Counsellor, while also giving back as a Reception Volunteer.
The day closed with some warm words of encouragement from Lesley Ross, before graduates, families and staff came together to enjoy a well-deserved buffet — marking the beginning of many bright new chapters.
At Murray’s Initiative, we remain incredibly proud of every graduate and the transformative power of the Elevate Employability programme. Their journeys are a testament to what is possible through compassion and community.
