Alcohol Help

Brunswick Care: Hove
Brunswick Care - addiction counselling, home detox, addiction treatment & rehab

About us:

Brunswick Care provide a broad range of services to people who are affected by a problem with drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex addiction, love addiction, eating disorders, codependency and addiction to prescribed medication.

Our services include:

Addiction Counselling - therapy for individuals, couples and families affected by addictive behaviour, with a trained and experienced Addiction Therapist.

Addiction Treatment - a structured non-residential programme for people who seek more intensive support than individual therapy, but less intensive support than an inpatient residential programme.

Sex and Love Addiction Treatment - a structured non-residential programme for people who have a desire to stop living out a pattern of sex and love addiction.

Addiction ‘Intervention’ - a structured process designed and led by a trained ‘Interventionist’ to enable a loved one to seek help.

Recovery Associates - a recovery companion who provides support, guidance and direction for people in recovery from addiction. Our Recovery Associates are recovering men and women with at least three years of continuos sobriety and who have been carefully selected and trained by us to provide effective, safe and discreet support to others.

Recovery Workshops and Retreats- covering subjects such as Codependency, Sex and Love Addiction, Trauma and Relationships.

Access to Rehab - case management and referral to a carefully selected rehab programme, based upon the needs of the client and our knowledge of existing residential and non residential programmes.

Home Detox - a discreet and sensitive home detoxification service delivered under the supervision of a Care Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

To Book An Assessment with a Qualified Addictions Specialist Please Call 01273 302779

Contact Details:

Brunswick Care
41-43 Portland Road
Hove
Sussex
BN3 5DQ

Telephone: 01273 302779

Life Works Community Ltd: Old Woking
Do you or someone you care about struggle with an alcohol problem?

About us:

Alcohol addiction is a progressive and debilitating disease. Although most people who drink do not become alcoholic, at least 15% of those who do are at risk for developing a serious problem which impacts relationships, health, work and the quality of life.

At Life Works, we understand that the effects of this illness can feel overwhelming. It is difficult to know where to turn, and you may doubt whether anything or anyone can really help. Our highly trained and caring professional staff treat alcoholism for what it really is, an ineffective and eventually damaging way that alcoholics try to cope with life. We provide a safe environment and caring, comprehensive treatment of alcohol addiction, addressing the physical, emotional and mental effects of the disease. Our programme offers support through an array of services including education, group and individual therapy, healthy nutrition, gentle exercise, journaling, art therapy, cognitive restructuring, family services, relapse prevention and long term aftercare.

You are not alone; let us help you or your loved one today.

Do I have a problem with Alcohol Addiction?

Why not read through the statements below to see if any of them relate to you?

1. I continue to use alcohol in spite of increasingly serious negative consequences.
2. I have made attempts to cut down and control my drinking with little or no success.
3. I feel very guilty after I have been drinking.
4. I have had financial difficulties as a result of my drinking.
5. Alcohol is a cause of domestic difficulty.
6. I often have to take other drugs in order to cope with the effects of the alcohol.
7. I have missed or avoided work or school because of alcohol use.
8. I have had had legal or financial problems as a result of alcohol use.
9. The thought of living without alcohol frightens me.
10. I feel that I must have alcohol in order to interact with other people.

Alcohol misuse has been a major concern within many cultures & societies for many centuries. Prolonged alcohol abuse can end up affecting every aspect of an individual’s life and those around them if left untreated. Life Works has a programme completion success rate of around 82% for our alcohol rehab programs which is well above the UK alcohol rehab industry average of less than 50%. We can assess each individual case so we understand exactly the type of alcohol treatment our clients require. Life Work’s have fully qualified and experienced staff at hand to conduct our alcohol treatment programs covering complex areas such as mental health and co-occuring addiction problems.

Alcoholism can be responsible for a chain reaction of detrimental events within an individuals health, work and family life. Alcoholism can also be the main cause of certain psychological issues such as chronic depression or psychosis. Life Works has been extremely successful with its alcoholism treatment programme. We have some of the most experienced staff that Europe for the treatment of alcoholism [added] as well as one of the highest staffing ratios in the industry. This ensures our patients get the treatment and care they require to effectively arrest the alcoholism.

Contact Details:

Life Works Community Ltd
The Grange
High Street
Old Woking
Surrey
GU22 8LB

Telephone: 01483 757 572

The Island Day Programme: London
Treatment based on the principles of the 12-step fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

About us:

The Island Day Programme was launched to meet the needs of substance misusers in Tower Hamlets. The drug treatment is based on the principles of the 12-step fellowships of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

The programme is provided by trained addiction counsellors, social workers and drug workers.

Who can attend IDP?

Anyone who is:

* Over the age of 18 who has a drug or alcohol problem but has remained free of alcohol and drugs for 48 hours and is a resident in the borough of Tower Hamlets.
* Living in stable accommodation.
* Able to understand what commitment to total abstinence means.
* Prepared to attend daily (Mon-Fri) from 9.45 am-4.30pm.
* Able to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks for the treatment programme.
* Prepared to attend self help meetings outside of programme times.

Applicants will be taken through an assessment to check that they fulfil the necessary criteria for a programme of this type. The three phases of the programme are:

* Induction - Part-time, lasting 1-8 weeks.
* Primary - Full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks with two furtherweeks attending on a part-time basis.
* Aftercare - Part-time support for up to 12 months.

IDP Also Offers

* Motivational Enhancement Therapy
* Relapse Prevention workshops
* Group therapy
* Complementary therapy
* One-to-one counselling
* Family Conferences
* After-care for up to one year.

How to Apply

Anyone who considers themselves to have a drug or alcohol problem and wishes to apply for the IDP, may do so directly to the project, either by \’phone or letter. Alternatively they can be referred by your Community Drugs Team, probation worker, key worker or any other professional involved in your care.

Contact Details:

The Island Day Programme
47 Skylines Village
Limeharbour
Docklands
London

E14 9TS

Telephone: 020 7538 0184

Lampton Court: Bideford
Dedicated to the establishment of self reliance and freedom from alcohol and drug dependency.

About us:

Mission Statement

Lampton court is dedicated to the establishment of self reliance and freedom from alcohol and drug dependency.

We aim to achieve this by offering a safe supportive therapeutic programme, encouraging growth through learning, and change via action.

Philosophy. Our working ethos and rationale provides an integrative, holistic approach in the treatment of substance misuse.

Aims And Objectives

Lampton court aims to provide residents with pro-active strategies to respond to potential relapse to substance misuse. We will achieve this by:

• Enabling residents to explore and re-evaluate existing problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviours with regard to substance misuse, through a therapeutic and experiential programme.

• Empowering residents to develop strategies to enable them to actively and positively integrate into the wider community.

• Enabling residents to grow personally and socially by actively participating in a safe, therapeutic community.

Situation

The origins of Lampton Court date back to medieval times. The house was extensively re-developed throughout the 19th Century creating a magnificent Victorian house set in 8.5 acres of mature garden and woodland, in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Within the grounds there are several existing amenities – swimming pool, kitchen garden, and we are currently restoring the Japanese garden and approximately one and half miles of walks. Residents are encouraged to take an active role in the running and maintenance of these amenities under supervision.

This hand’s on approach proves to be a rewarding and stimulating experience with many beneficial consequences. Lampton Court is located between the Yeo and Torridge rivers, in the heart of Tarka country close to the historic market town of Bideford.

Treatment Process and Relapse Response

Lampton Court has developed this innovative process focusing on relapse response. We provide an integrative treatment process incorporating a variety of therapeutic techniques specifically effective in responding to substance misuse issues and underlying problems. The three principle elements of our process being; activity therapy, group therapy and one-to-one counselling, compliment each other as well as having a purpose of their own.

These elements are complimented by providing a daily and balanced structure, living together as a group and developing positive relationships within it, sharing responsibilities in maintenance of the house and garden, writing personal development journals, factual education, developing practical life skills such as budgeting, IT, health and hygiene and appreciation and practice of various art techniques.

Through our initial assessment procedure, we identify and work with key issues presented by the individual. We deliver a tailor made programme in response to potential relapse, empowering individuals through learning or re-learning coping skills.

Lampton Court provides a dynamic programme that encompasses a multi–faceted approach to the treatment of substance misuse, nurturing growth through learning and change via action.

Individuals learn to recognise, take responsibility for, and own their identified goals through the empowerment given during their programme, thus enabling them to make informed choices and decisions in their lives.

Relapse Response Content

The importance of personal development journals, Coping with abstinence – grief and loss, Confidence building through self-awareness and self-image, Communication skills – verbal and non-verbal, Visualisation and Relaxation techniques, Relationship dynamics through peer group and family, Positive change and motivation, Anger management through emotion identification, Conflict resolution and social skills, Developing self-understanding, Stress management and trigger identification, Positive attitude through self-empowerment, Re-integration through appropriate support systems.

Activity Therapy Programme

Adventure therapy bases itself around an experiential process requiring the ‘learner’ to provide motivation in energy, involvement and responsibility for the their own positive actions and outcomes. Through using a flexible approach to outdoor activities and problem solving exercises the individual (within a group) challenges themselves by going through a process of new experiences.

These changes are achievable when integrated with the relapse response programme providing a chance to reflect on positive and negative occurrences, individuals behaviour and actions within the group.

Unlike other forms of therapy, A.T provides feedback through ‘natural consequences’. The instructors steer individuals on a journey of learning. Throughout the entire programme each individual learns numerous practical skills, this creates possible new interests and also serves as a medium to provide measurable feedback on performance and process.

Each resident will be given a variety of different experiences as illustrated below. The activities that are asterisked will be subject to climatic circumstances, individual risk assessments and the stage at which the resident joins the programme.
Activity Therapy Content, Trust building exercises, High ropes course, Kayaking, Climbing, Low ropes course, Abseiling, Planning and organization, Goal setting, Cliff rescue exercise, Problem solving, Skills transfer, Navigation, Rafting expeditions. Qualified instructors supervise all aspects of the high risk elements of the programme.

Contact Details:

Lampton Court
Littleham
Bideford
Devon
EX39 5HT

Telephone: 01237 470280

Francis House: Barnstaple
Organisation to assist people in their recovery from a past or present alcohol dependency.

About us:

Assisi Community Care is a Christian-based organisation, established in 1985 to assist people in their recovery from a past or present alcohol dependency at Francis House.

We provide non-institutionalised care for positive rehabilitation within a confidential and holistic community set in the countryside of North Devon.

We do not require clients to attend group sessions we have an eclectic philosophy of care which is based on the individuals motivation in recovery.

Many clients choose Francis House because it removes them from the environment where their alcoholism exists. This is the beginning of retraining the individual to cope without alcohol in the future.

Francis House is set in the heart of the countryside and yet only a short distance away from the local town and the coastal area. Many people have enjoyed the beneficial effects of county walking as North Devon is an area of natural beauty. The local town of Barnstaple include a leisure centre, cinema and theatre. During the year there are a number of local festivals. Residents may attend local Alcohol Anonymous (AA) groups. Further education is available at the local community college. There are numerous courses to help clients develop their skills, abilities and hobbies. Currently clients at Francis House are involved in archaeology, art foundation courses, literacy courses and personal development courses. UNESCO decided that North Devon is an environment that ranks with some of the best in the world, and recently designated a large part of the area as a World Biosphere Reserve.

Francis House is a seventeenth century manor house with a distinguished history which offers twin-bedded rooms and three lounges. Clare House is a modern building that offers single accommodation and provides two lounges, a snooker room, a pool room and a conservatory. For the more energetic a fully equipped gymnasium is to be found within the Clare House complex, and an additional mini gym. The total area of the grounds is approximately seven acres. Within the grounds there are three landscaped and ornamental trout ponds where residents may coarse fish.

The philosophy of care at Francis House is eclectic as it is based on the individuals own motivational sense of recovery. Clients are offered the opportunity of exploring positive aspects of their character which have previously been latent. These characteristics normally require a restoration of self-esteem and confidence, which we seek to achieve by the provision of a safe, structured and caring environment.

We encourage motivation towards self-discipline as the major means of change in the life of the individual. Self-discipline is the goal and the fundamental pre-requisite to achieving trust and freedom from dependency. The client is expected to examine alternatives to their previous escapism. Rather than impose a restrictive regime or apply ‘encounter techniques,’ we believe that the requirements of interactive community living will produce therapeutic situations. This requires the individual to confront their attitudes and behaviour and clients are supported in these therapeutic encounters by Senior Staff. This holistic method enables a process of self-advocacy, which is essential in aiding recovery.

Francis House provides a varied clinical service for client’s needs. This includes care plans, setting up and overseeing risk assessments, regularly reviewed support for client is offered by consensual approach in the setting up and reviewing of support plans. Senior staff provide up-to-date knowledge and research which is communicated to Care Staff.

Clients must be over 25 years of age and must have commenced detoxification and/or be 24 hours drug free. S/he must be looking towards become abstinent from alcohol and drugs.

Whilst the main criteria for residency is that an applicant is alcohol dependent at the point of application, we recognise that there are other categories of difficulties, ie offences of a sexual nature, hard drug dependency or extreme violence, which we cannot accommodate.

As a condition of residence all community members must accept and comply with four main rules:

No drink on or off the premises
No drugs other than prescribed
No violence or threat of violence
No smoking apart from designated areas.

If a service user contravenes any of these rules then they automatically discharge themselves from the service. Verbal abuse will not be tolerated and any violence will result in prosecution.

Contact Details:

Francis House
Swimbridge
Barnstaple
Devon
EX32 OQG

Telephone: 01271 830030

Kairos Community Trust: London
Provides accommodation, help and support for homeless people with substance misuse related problems.

About us:

Kairos Community Trust operates a four stage process of therapy and support:

1. Abstinent supported hostel.

2. Care Home providing 12 week residential programme of therapy.

3. The Move-On houses 3rd stage is where residents are supported to continue their recovery and prepare for returning to live in the wider community.

4. Aftercare Programme.

#Linden Grove Reception and Stabilisation Hostel

Linden Grove is a first stage residential hostel for people with alcohol and drug dependencies. It is a safe place for those in recovery to address problems in a non-judgemental environment.

People generally come to Linden Grove because they have found their lives unmanageable due to the destructive effects of addiction. It is a place where individuals can begin to rebuild their lives, to examine what has led them to this point and to try to put into place a new structure in life without alcohol or drugs. Our priority is those who are homeless.

What sort of thing can I expect there?

At the Kairos Healthy Living Centre we have a full programme of group and individual therapy which includes:

Relapse prevention. Communication skills and assertiveness. Understanding / managing feelings. Family of origin issues. The physical and mental effects of addiction. Art therapy. Complementary therapies: yoga, reflexology, auricular acupuncture. Weekly G.P. surgery with projects doctor.

The philosophy of the programme strongly supports the principles of AA / NA. An important part of recovery is accepting the problem and seeing the need for change.

Each resident is assigned a support worker who advises about practical problems such as benefits, legal issues etc. A vital part of these sessions is to put the resident in contact with outside agencies and services to better help their needs. Every effort is made to access funding for Rehab where it is appropriate and it is the expressed wish of a resident.

Part of the recovery process is about taking responsibility for one’s environment. Therefore each resident is assigned a weekly task around the house. This can be anything from sweeping the floor to helping with the garden.

#Bethwin Road a Registered Care Home

We are a residential 12 step therapeutic community which aims to provide a 12 week programme of rehabilitation for people with alcohol / drug related problems.

Conditions of acceptance. The Applicant must have detoxed and be committed to staying clean and sober for the duration of the programme. (Detox is not offered)

The home is registered as a Category ‘A’ home, providing a service to people who have completed detox for substance misuse. To meet the perceived needs of the client group, the following objectives form a structure for service delivery.

To complete a comprehensive assessment of each individuals needs on admission to Kairos.

To draw up a care plan appropriate to summary and recommendations of the assessment and as identified by resident.

To facilitate a living environment which fosters an ethos of mutual respect, co-operation, co-responsibility and accountability.

To directly deliver a programme which will include counselling, group work, therapy and a forum for self-assessment and change.

To improve the general health status of each resident as defined by him / her and through identified supporting evidence.

To facilitate the development of basic life skills which will enable eventual independent living.

To explore and introduce people to coping strategies, damage limitation strategies and relapse preventive strategies.

To have in place both Programme and Care Plan Evaluation mechanisms.

#Move-On Accommodation

Kairos Community Trust believes that having completed rehabilitation, a person still needs to have ongoing therapy and support to enable a healthy lifestyle and continued abstinence. It is Kairos Community Trust’s policy, in co-operation with Linden Grove, Bethwin Road and any other primary treatment house from which people have been referred, to support and facilitate such aftercare.

The goal of ongoing therapy is to:

Support each person in their transition from a highly structured programme towards a planned gradual independent life-style.

Support a resident’s arrangement for ongoing therapy with previous providers e.g. ongoing counselling at Bethwin Road or with designated aftercare providers e.g. day programmes.

Facilitate and support each person with a support plan which aims to help that person maintain good general health, preserve abstinence, build on therapeutic experience, enjoy worthwhile social outlets and move towards full reintegration in the community.

Offer continued positive peer support as a self-help mechanism.

#Aftercare Programme ( For Those Completeing Rehab For Substance Misuse Related Problems )

Workbook Reflection

The workbook was prepared by a group of people who have completed 1st stage rehab and who live in Kairos 2nd stage houses. In setting out to put the workbook together, the intention of the group was to provide daily reflective themes which would help a person link back into his / her experience of rehab.

It is hoped that such a link will help a person to cope with the abrupt move away from an intensive structured programme, while at the same time helping him / her to reflect on issues pertinent to continued rehabilitation and recovery. The person will reflect privately on an agreed theme and then with the help of facilitation will share, discuss etc., with the group the next day in a psycho-educational setting.

One Stop Shop

This slot is planned to help people with long term / ongoing issues e.g. around debt, legal, health, benefits etc. Advice and information will be given and referral facilitated to professional services.

Workshops

These will be conducted (facilitated) by experienced therapists / counsellors drawn from within and outside of Kairos.

Counselling

Each person will have weekly One to One counselling.

Social Activities

Each group will be encouraged and facilitated to organise regular social events / activities.

Contact Details:

Kairos Community Trust
235 Valley Road
London

SW16 2AF

Telephone: 0208 6777292

Ashcroft House: Cardiff
Residential rehabilitation home for mothers with drug or alcohol dependencies, with their children.

About us:

What is special about Ashcroft?

Ashcroft House is an established residential home providing rehabilitation for mothers with drug or alcohol dependencies, with their children. Ashcroft House was set up in 1996 as a specialist rehabilitation unit in response to expressed needs for suitable residential rehabilitation facilities where mothers can continue to care for their children.
How are prospective residents assessed?

Ashcroft House staff carry out individual assessments of suitability for our programme. This normally involves a day assessment visit to the Centre where prospective new residents meet staff and current residents. Some applicants may be offered a period of day attendance for more detailed assessment and to test their commitment. This will give them the opportunity to find out what is involved and expected during the rehabilitation programme.

Residents are given help and support to enable them to become more fulfilled people and parents, through improved levels of personal understanding and achievement so that they can become fully functioning citizens.

Who looks after the children?

Mothers are responsible for looking after their children at Ashcroft House. Children up to 8 years old will normally be accepted. Mothers with older children may be considered. Children of compulsory school age go to school.

What help is provided for children with particular needs?

Placing/funding local authorities are required to provide an individual care plan for each child before admission to Ashcroft House and to contribute to reviews of each child’s progress while living at Ashcroft House. We use trained nursery nurses, a play therapist and engage other children’s workers with appropriate professional skills as required, to work with children who have particular assessed needs.
Why is it residential rehabilitation?

For many mothers, being accepted for residential rehabilitation at Ashcroft House may be the only alternative to their children being looked after by the Social Services Department, with little prospect of the family being reunited.

We work on the basis that mothers with young children need to be free from the personal pressures and influences leading to their substance dependency and to have the opportunity to make a fresh start by learning to live alcohol and drug free lives.

Where do I go after Ashcroft?

Forward to independence – we hope that all of our residents will build on their abilities and learn and develop new coping skills whilst at Ashcroft House. Our aim is that they will be able to progress to living an independent life with their children, free of substance dependency and better equipped as parents.

What does the rehabilitation programme involve?

The rehabilitation programme includes education about the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol, personal and child health, nutrition, home and family management, parenting and child care, personal finances and budgeting, social skills, coping with stress and opportunities for further/higher education courses and employment.

What is Ashcroft House like?

The Rehabilitation Centre is a large, detached, Victorian property, situated near to Cardiff City Centre, with substantial accommodation on two floors. It has an enclosed private rear garden and play area. Family rooms can accommodate mothers with two or three children and rooms are available also for mothers with one child.

What will I do?

You will have the chance through group work and individual counselling to learn and practice the personal skills necessary to lead a stable, healthy, independent life free of dependency on drugs or alcohol, by the time you leave Ashcroft House.
“I don\’t want my children to be with addicts…”

Use of drugs and alcohol is not permitted whilst living at the Centre, apart from prescribed medication. Other rules and controls are kept to the minimum necessary to maintain the rehabilitation environment. Mothers help to determine their own day-to-day domestic and social arrangements under supervision and with guidance from the care staff. Residents are expected to take responsibility for themselves and for their behaviour and to collaborate with other mothers and the staff in the day to day management of the Centre.

What staff are there?

The staff team is led by the Centre Manager with Counsellors, Support Workers, the Nursery Manager and Nursery Nurses who all contribute to the rehabilitation treatment programmes. At evening and weekends, Support Workers supervise and assist residents and children. Mothers assist with planning menus, shopping, catering and cleaning duties on a rota basis as part of the rehabilitation programme

External Consultants and specialist skills are available to the project to complement the skills of the Centre staff. Ashcroft House is committed to the Investor in People National Standard. The goals of treatment are:-

# achieving drug and alcohol free living.
# remedying the harms resulting from drug and alcohol dependency.
# improving social, parental, vocational and recreational skills and abilities.
# giving fresh hope for a better future and developing the skills to maintain it.

Contact Details:

Ashcroft House
147-149 Newport Road
Roath
Cardiff

CF24 1AG

Telephone: 029 2041 5400

The morning after the night before, the last thing you want is some one knocking loudly on your door, waking you up and asking if you’ve got a problem with alcohol- but chances are, if you get arrested and end up in the cells at Gateshead police station over this festive season - that’s exactly what will happen.

For the last six months, Elaine Corrigan, a registered mental health nurse with a wealth of experience in drug and alcohol intervention work, has been working as the Criminal Justice Alcohol Caseworker in the custody suite of Gateshead Police Station. It’s her job to help people whose criminal activity may have been as a result of them misusing alcohol - and there’ll not be much let up for her and potential cell mates over the Christmas and New year period.

Elaine spends most mornings each week at Gateshead Police Station, working as part of a team that also tests people for drug misuse if they have committed a trigger offence.

The new post was created by Gateshead Council and Gateshead Primary Care Trust’s drug and alcohol team ‘Twenty Four: 7′ to identify the links between offending behaviour and alcohol. The position, funded through the ‘Safer Communities’ arm of the Gateshead Local Area Agreement, sits within the Criminal Justice Intervention Team (CJIT).

The need for the post was identified after it was recognised that while there were a high number of drug intervention workers within the CJIT identifying individuals with significant alcohol issues, there was no dedicated caseworker for alcohol misuse.

Elaine offers the people she meets advice and support on a one to one basis and, as she discovers what their needs are, can refer them on to other organisations who can help meet their needs. Part of the services she can help people access includes a community based or in patient based detox as well as counselling and talking therapies to assess why they misuse alcohol, relaxation and anger management.

"The people I meet in custody often have significant problems relating to their alcohol misuse. Engaging with these individuals provides an opportunity to offer a package of care, taking into account issues such as housing, family relationships etc., " explained Elaine

"Depending on the outcome of the assessment I am able to see people on a regular basis to work through a care plan or refer on to a more appropriate service. In addition, I provide information and advice and brief intervention for less problematic alcohol users.

"It’s a long process and it’s about supporting people through a big change in their lives and building up a relationship built on trust."

As a registered mental health nurse Elaine is also fully qualified to work on a dual diagnosis basis, which means she can work with those who have mental health issues as well as alcohol-related problems. Skills that bring added value to her new role.

She attends regular meetings with Gateshead’s anti-social behaviour panel and works closely with drug intervention workers and the prolific and priority offenders scheme.

Gill McGill, Drug Intervention Programme manager said: "We are delighted to have Elaine on board. The need to address alcohol issues in this area of work has long been recognised and this provides an exciting opportunity to further develop the work carried out by Gateshead CJIT, by being able to offer a direct referral to a dedicated criminal justice alcohol caseworker."

Home Office

In the run up to Christmas, and in order to encourage young people under 18 not to participate in alcohol related festivities, schoolchildren from across Berwick have been warned of the dangerous effects alcohol can have on their bodies.

In partnership with Sorted, Northumberland County Council’s drug and alcohol service which provides advice and support to young people under 18, and District Councils such as Berwick, paramedics from the North East Ambulance service visited a number of venues across Northumberland, including the Beehive Cafe youth project.

The youngsters were warned about the dangers and harm alcohol can cause but were also advised on how to stay safe and what to do in an emergency - and most importantly, not to walk away and leave a friend in potentially dangerous situation.

Serena Thompson, Manager of Sorted, said: "The Don’t Walk Away Campaign’ roadshow was a valuable event as part of our programme of proactive work to raise awareness amongst young people in Northumberland."

Andy Molloy, North East Ambulance Service Assistant Operations Manager (North of Tyne) and a trained paramedic, has chatted to dozens of youngsters in Northumberland including Berwick.

He said: "We’ve been working with Sorted for the last 18 months educating young people on the streets throughout Berwick and elsewhere about drinking alcohol and its consequences and promoting the ‘Don’t Walk Away Campaign’.

"We’ve gone out with street workers to persuade youngsters to attend talks at drop-in centres and also toured estates in an information bus and delivered awareness sessions in the back of the vehicle.

"The idea behind the programme of visits is more of an informal chat with young people. We discuss with them the reasons why they are getting drunk, what type of drinks they are consuming and the volumes involved. Furthermore we discuss with the short term effects and the dangers involved with binge drinking, ie, what can happen to them that night such as choking."

In addition youngsters learned about longer-term effects such as the impact of drinking on their organs.

Youngsters were also shown a range of emergency equipment which may be used by paramedics such as intubation equipment. Andy added: "We show them the different tubes we use for managing patients airways and the range of needles we may need to use to administer drugs or set drips up.

Gerald Connor, Community Safety Officer, Berwick District Council said:

"The Don’t Walk Away initiative provides young people with an insight into the consequences of consuming too much alcohol and leaving a friend to their own devices, and emphasises the importance of moderating alcohol intake, supporting a friend and contacting the ambulance service when a friend is in difficulty.

"This type of initiative provides the right level of information and has been very well received by the young people locally. From an organisation viewpoint it is good that partners can come together to tackle the issues in such a pro-active and focussed manner".

Feedback from young people who have taken part in the road show had been very positive with comments ranging from " you won’t get wrong for calling an ambulance", as well as learning about the dangers of binge drinking and "finding out what drink does to your body".

Home Office

Hope House, London
Hope House is a second stage residential treatment centre for women.

About us:

Hope House provides a safe, comfortable and friendly environment for women with complex needs. Whether you are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction or an eating disorder we can help you. We work with women suffering from personality disorders and those who have suffered abuse.

Based in a Victorian terraced house on a quiet street in North West London our residential second stage treatment centre can provide you with the support that you need.

We have no more than eight women staying at any one time.

The treatment programme

There are many different elements to our residential treatment programme (which is an abstinence based 12-Step programe) which all contribute to helping you understand your issues and supporting you as you begin your journey of recovery.

You will receive your own individual treatment plan to work through.

One to one counselling

You will work with one counsellor in a confidential setting to talk through the issues that may have made you vulnerable to addiction.

Group work

You share your experiences of recovery with other people in a similar situation. You are able to develop your communication skills in a safe environment which can then be applied to your everyday relationships at home and at work when you leave Hope House.

Relapse prevention

We will provide you with guidance on the best ways to ensure that you do not relapse.

Workshops and life skills groups

You will be invited to attend these training sessions which can be anything from our basic life skills coaching to developing more specific work based skills.

We provide advice on housing and other basic welfare issues.

Social activities

We organise social activities for members of the treatment programme which allow you to strengthen your relationships with each other.

Staying in a women only environment

Hope House is deliberately female only to allow you to recover without the stresses and competitiveness that can sometimes develop in a mixed environment.

Our team

You work with a small team of qualified counsellors and therapists with an expertise in addictions counselling and treatment.

Pre-treatment assessment

You are usually expected to attend for an assessment visit. If this is not possible, telephone assessments or prison visits may be carried out by arrangement. Reports from other agencies may be required, for example discharge summaries, social enquiry or psychiatric reports.

Referral and support

Detoxification is not provided. You must be at least two weeks drug and alcohol free and preferably have attended a primary treatment programme. You must have a desire to remain abstinent in the long term, be female and over 18 years old.

Referrals are accepted from all sources including self-referrals.

Our approach

We adopt a holistic approach to treatment. Hope House is a place where you are able to recognize your emotional, physical, educational and recreational needs. It provides a nurturing, empowering and liberating environment where self-awareness and self-respect are encouraged. You learn to support yourself and others in recovering from dependency.

Visiting and family involvement

Family visits are encouraged, and children under 12 years old may make overnight and weekend visits by arrangement.

What next

Once you complete the treatment programme, weekly aftercare group and quarterly follow up sessions are available for one year.

We encourage you to attend support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous for ongoing support.

Contact Details:

Hope House
49 Saltram Crescent
Maida Vale
London

W9 3JS

Telephone: 020 8969 3587