Alcohol Help

A Major consultation exercise is under way in Hartlepool to seek people’s views on whether they think a minimum price per unit of alcohol should be introduced.

In Hartlepool and other parts of the North East alcohol is being sold for as little as 12p per unit, particularly when purchased in volume from supermarkets. One unit is the equivalent of a measure of spirits, a glass of wine or half a pint of beer/lager/cider.

As part of the alcohol consultation, residents are being asked to complete a questionnaire comprising a series of questions in relation to minimum pricing.

The consultation is being carried out by the town’s Alcohol Strategy Group – a special multi-agency group set up to tackle alcohol misuse.

It will run until the end of August and include a week-long alcohol exhibition in the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, survey forms being sent out to parents via schools and an on-line questionnaire.

Councillor Jonathan Brash, who chairs the Alcohol Strategy Group, said: “All of the research shows that drinking alcohol excessively has a detrimental affect on individuals, people around them and the community at large.

“Forty-three per cent of arrests in Hartlepool are alcohol related and we have a duty to do everything possible to tackle this problem. Alcohol-related illnesses are also having an increasing financial burden on health services with hospital admissions doubling over the last 15 years.

“The introduction of a minimum price per unit policy is just one way to try and curb dangerous and excessive drinking and it is important for us to know what the Hartlepool community think about the proposal.

If there was a minimum alcohol price of 50p per unit the large majority of people would pay just pennies more, but for those who drink dangerously and abusively It would make a much bigger difference, forcing them, to drink less and therefore reverse the damage this small minority do to our communities.

Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, and the first of its kind in the country is supporting the consultation exercise.

Coun Brash added: “This is not about a nanny state, people have got to make their own choices about their lives, but if their choices cost other tax payers in terms of crime, anti-social behaviour or the NHS then we have a right to take action.”

Between July 25-30, visitors to the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre will be able to discuss minimum pricing with representatives from Hartlepool Council and health bodies and then complete the questionnaire.

Hartlepool Borough Council,
Civic Centre
Victoria Road
Hartlepool
TS24 8AY

First Step Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre, Middlesbrough
Residential environment for individuals who have substance misuse issues.

About us:

First Step is committed to providing a safe residential environment for individuals who have substance misuse issues. The aim is to engage clients in the process of change utilising therapeutic interventions, working towards abstinence and an independent lifestyle.

First Step welcomes any individual over the age of eighteen years old, regardless of gender, ethnic or religious background or sexual orientation. First Step does not accept couples.
First Step believes that an individual’s drug/alcohol misuse problem stems from stress related issues in either their past or present lifestyle. Individuals will be expected to explore and examine these issues throughout their rehabilitation with a key-worker and/or counsellor.

Stage 1 – Detoxification:

First Step can offer a detoxification programme. This will be discussed during your assessment and agreed between First Step and your doctor or drug worker before your admission.

Medication

All detoxification prescriptions must be provided on admission as well as 1 week prescriptions for general medication.

Stop In Period

You will have restrictions placed upon you regarding time out of the project:

0-6 weeks -You will only be allowed to leave the building if escorted by staff.

7-9 weeks -You will be allowed out from the programme 2 hours per day, unescorted.

10-12 weeks -You will be allowed out from the programme 4 hours per day, unescorted.

Stage 2 – Main Programme:

This will involve:

Breathalysers and Oral Swabs

One of the most important policies of First Step is that it is a dry house! Therefore every few days you will be asked by the project staff to provide a supervised oral swab for full drug screening and a daily breathalyser tests on request.

It is essential that we carry out regular testing to ensure that the house remains clean of all drugs and alcohol. Should you refuse to supply the staff with a sample or prove positive for any of the tests, having previously proved negative, then you will be asked to leave immediately without notice. It is necessary to abide by this policy so as not to jeopardise the progress of other clients in the project.

Key-Working

The project operates on a ‘key-working’ system whereby on arrival you will be allocated a member of staff team who will become your individual key-worker. 1:1 key-working sessions are a compulsory and integral part of your programme.

Your key-worker will support you individually and work with you on such issues as: becoming drug and alcohol free, debts, finances, housing and developing coping mechanisms and any other problem areas.

Stage 3 – Transition:

You will move to the flats within the project. You will still have to adhere to the main programme but will begin to build up your level of independence.

Overnight Leaves

As you progress to stage 3 of your programme, the time will come when your key-worker and yourself may decide that some overnight stays with either your family or friends may benefit you. This must be however discussed and agreed in advance by your key-worker and will not exceed 4 nights (Friday/Saturday only) per month.

Stage 4 – Semi-Independent:

As you move to stage 4 of your programme you will not be expected to attend compulsory groups and will be expected to budget and cook for yourself. You must still abide by all the project rules but will have gained a certain level of independence. You will be expected to drop in the weekly group (if going to be Middlesbrough based) at this stage will be introduced to First Step’s outreach worker.

Outreach / Move On

Clients that complete their full programme will, where possible will be moved onto suitable accommodation in the area of their choice. First Step outreach worker will help in all areas of your move on and continue the support in your own home on departure from the project if Middlesbrough based.

Contact Details:

First Step Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre
114 Marton Road
Middlesbrough

TS1 2DY

Telephone: 01642 231476