A GLASGOW woman who ‘used alcohol and drugs as a crutch’ after the death of her mother has won two major Scottish awards.

Sophie Ross, from Dennistoun, was recognised by the Prince’s Trust after overcoming a number of challenges before finding a full-time job with NHS24.

The 31-year-old scooped the charity’s Homesense Young Achiever Award, which recognises a young person who has overcome significant barriers to become an inspirational role model; and the Watches of Switzerland Group Young Change Maker Award, given to someone who has inspired others through their personal experience of turning their life around.

Glasgow Times: Sophie at the awards ceremony.Sophie at the awards ceremony. (Image: Prince's Trust)

“Being told I had won two awards was just unbelievable,” said Sophie. “To feel like someone has seen something in you, which you’ve not always seen in yourself, is an amazing feeling.

 “I would not be here today if it wasn't for The Prince's Trust and everyone who has supported me.”

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When her mum died in 2013, after a long battle with her own mental health, Sophie was devastated.

“At that time I felt so alone and my depression worsened and I had no hope for the future,” she explained.

“My mental health and confidence were already low before my mum died, but my grief was really overwhelming and made things worse. I often used alcohol and drugs as a crutch.”

Glasgow Times: Sophie works for NHS24Sophie works for NHS24 (Image: Newsquest)

After being unemployed for six years, Sophie started volunteering to help to build up her CV. The new routine helped her to stop using alcohol and drugs.

“I saw a Prince’s Trust Facebook advert for a health care course with NHS24,” she said. “Everyone was so supportive and patient. I had lost all hope of getting back into work, but the course gave me the skills to overcome that.”

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After completing the course, Sophie secured an interview for the role of call handler with NHS24 and she was delighted to be offered the job. She has now been in the job for four years and hopes to become a mental health nurse in the future.

“I have a passion for helping others, whether in their times of sadness, or panic, or happiness” she says.

“I am the one that’s there to help them which gives me such a sense of pride in what I do.”