After many years of mental health issues and drug and alcohol addiction problems, and after a lot of hard work, I have sorted myself out.
I am a healthy young man of 34 and have mostly always worked, but have been on incapacity benefit for about 18 months.
I have read a lot of Tele letters saying people like me should get clean and sober and start being a contributing member of society.
Unfortunately, due to my former chaotic lifestyle I have a criminal record.
I know it is my fault and I take full responsibility for my mistakes, but due to this I am finding it impossible to find employment.
I am not a bad person. All I would like is to be given a chance to start again.
We all make mistakes, some more than others, but if society is not prepared to give people a chance to become a better person, what is the point?
I am becoming frustrated and really down about the problems I have caused myself, which is a dangerous position for me to be in.
Not all people with addiction problems are total wasters and all I am asking is to be given a chance to be an honest, hardworking, proud person again.
Please society, give me a break and some hope for a better future, as I do not know where to turn now. — Trying To Stay Positive.
Charity shop going great
Manager Yvonne Young, left, with volunteers from the shop.
The Ardler Village Trust Charity shop has now been trading for over a week and I thank the residents of Ardler and those further afield for their continued support. Donations have been coming in daily and the quality of them is astounding.
The shop has been busy since its opening and all proceeds generated will be ploughed straight back into the Ardler community to support local projects.
It’s fantastic to see the community support something so worthwhile.
Thanks to the many volunteers who have set up and run the shop, the RBS team, Bentleys Shopfitters, Claverhouse Group and Sanctuary Scotland HA who have been a fantastic support.
Unfortunately the shop will operate on reduced hours over the October holiday season.
To compensate and to thank our customers, we will be running a Free Prize Draw Raffle. Every customer using the shop between September 25 and October 10 will have the chance of winning shopping vouchers courtesy of Tesco and B&Q.
We are always looking for volunteers and appreciate every donation we receive so you can contact us at the shop at 197 Turnberry Avenue, on 01382 828814 or at the Ardler Village Trust Office at 95 Turnberry Avenue on 01382 831712. — Yvonne Young, Charity Shop Manager.
Futures trust is just PFI rebranded
In opposition the SNP derided Private Finance Initiative as not delivering best value to the Scottish taxpayer.
If elected they said they would replace it with a Scottish Futures’ Trust using bonds raised from the public and institutes.
Roll on 17 months and it is clear their replacement is merely re-branding of PFI, with an additional £17m cost of running yet another quango.
Cosla vice-president and SNP councillor Rob Murray reports damningly that, “It is light on evidence and detail.”
This may explain why Mr Swinney took so long to bring it before parliament, but we still don’t know how the new schools promised by the SNP or the new Forth bridge will be funded. — C. E. C.
Loans interest
Why, when the whole world is being hit financially, are there companies on the go offering loans from £50-£500 with a typical APR of 183.2%?
I really think this is atrocious that they are allowed to advertise at these rates and get away with it. — Shocked.
Job Seekers’ claimants
The pressure on Job Seekers’ claimants is outrageous now with compulsory three-month interviews.
The number of allowance claimants has fallen dramatically across the UK, so the new measures are draconian. — Westender, Dundee.
Following the petrol prices
Congratulations to Morrisons Supermarket for being the first store in Dundee to react positively to the price reduction in barrels of oil, by reducing the price of their petrol.
Their store is a bit away from my address, but I’ll be doing my shopping there from now on. — K. Cassidy.
Missing cat
My cat has been missing since Friday, September 12 from Kinclaven Drive/Brackens, Dundee area. He’s ginger and white and answers to Thomas.
He is a much-loved family pet and is being missed very much by two boys.
We would be grateful for any information. Telephone 01382 889298. — Mrs Gourlay.
Reunion plea
Sheena Wright (nee Tugwood) is returning from Adelaide, Australia, on Tuesday, September 23. She worked in Marks & Spencer, Dundee, in the 1970s. If you would like to meet up with Sheena please telephone Joan Fotheringham (nee McCabe) on 0780 534 0158. — Joan Fotheringham, Carnoustie.
Radio 2 demise
I agree with recent letters regarding the demise of Radio 2. When the Jimmy Young show was on we had a cheerful show every day, with a different subject.
I’d be interested to compare today’s listening figures to those of 20 or 30 years ago. — Ex Radio 2 Listener, Dundee.
THE ADDRESS for readers’ letters is - Readers’ Page, Evening Telegraph, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL. They can also be placed in our post box at our offices in Albert Square, Dundee, emailed to us on letters@eveningtelegraph.co.uk or faxed on 01382 454590. We ask correspondents using a nom-de-plume or sending by e-mail to provide a name and address for reference purposes. The editor reserves the right to reject or edit any letter. Please keep letters as short as possible.*
