Alcohol Help

This year’s Alcohol Awareness Week “Love your Liver” campaign (14 – 20 November 2011) is being hailed a success by the Winchester Community Safety Partnership.

The Partnership is made up of a number of organisations including Hampshire Constabulary, Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Hampshire, Hampshire Police Authority and the Hampshire Probation Trust.
It has identified that tackling alcohol related incidents around the night time economy is a key priority, largely due to the fact that alcohol misuse has a much wider impact on individuals, families and the wider community. As a result, people risk their health, in addition to becoming a victim or perpetrator of crime, disorder and violent offences.

Examples of the activities undertaken during Alcohol Awareness Week included:

Robust Licensing activity – A police led test purchase operation was undertaken on 17 November in six retailers in and around the City. Two of the retailers failed the operation and staff who sold alcohol to underage young people received an £80 fixed penalty notice. Hampshire County Council Trading Standards officers will be leading follow up visits to the two retailers that failed the police test purchasing operation.
“Think 25″ Roadshow – on 18 November Winchester City Council Neighbourhood Wardens, along with the Police and Hampshire County Council Accredited Community Safety Officers supported the Southern Co-operative’s “Think 25″ Roadshow at their new store in City Road, Winchester. The roadshow raised public awareness of why Southern Co-Operative stores have a ‘Think 25′ policy. The event was also an opportunity to explain the risks that proxy purchase and supplying alcohol to minors, can have on individuals. In common with other local retailers in the City, Southern Co-operative takes their role in the community very seriously, working to drive down the incidence of underage drinking across all of their stores.
Extra patrols during the night time economy – high visibility patrols were undertaken in known hotspot locations during peak times to deal with alcohol related antisocial behaviour and violence offences as they occurred, or to deter them from happening.
Enforcement Action – the police used enforcement action for those who were deemed to be demonstrating alcohol related ASB. They gave out 12 Section 27 notices and took robust enforcement within the Alcohol Control Zone.

Neil Luckett from NHS Hampshire, said: “This year’s “Love your Liver” campaign was designed to draw attention to the longer term problems from drinking too much, and too often. This message complements the more immediate issues around alcohol which the Community Safety Partnership, local agencies and businesses are working with every day in an effort to help people drink responsibly and safely.”

For more information about the partnership’s current campaigns please contact the Community Safety Team at communitysafety@winchester.gov.uk or telephone 01962 848 423

Winchester City Council
City Offices
Colebrook Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LJ
Tel: 01962 840 222

Did you know that:

# Every hour more than 100 people go into hospital in England and Wales with an alcohol-related condition
# Every day more than 40 people die as a result of alcohol in England and Wales
# Every week more than 100 children call ChildLine upset about their parents’ drinking – some as young as five years old.

Alcohol Concern is offering a local lifeline to people who are concerned about their drinking and need support.

Alcohol Awareness Week 2011, from 14-20 November, aims to make more people aware of harmful drinking habits and provide them with the help they need.

The Solent NHS Trust’s Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service runs a local drop-in centre in Ringwood for New Forest residents. The HOMER (Hampshire Operational Model for Effective Recovery) facility, open from Monday to Saturday, is based at Oaktree House, Gooseberry Lane, off Christchurch Road. Telephone 01425 483352 for more information.

Alternatively, the Safer New Forest Partnership advises those with concerns about their drinking to talk to their GP. Support is also given through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Find out more online alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Nikki Keeley, chair of the New Forest Drug and Alcohol Reference Group (DARG) welcomed the campaign by Alcohol Concern to seek a reduction in harm.

“In the New Forest, we are geared up for providing the support and encouragement some people need to face up to their alcohol misuse and put an end to harmful drinking practices, which affect not only themselves, but often their families and friends too.”

Alcohol Awareness Week 2011 is launching the Alcohol Concern’s charter for a world free from alcohol harm. To highlight the need for a public commitment to reduction in alcohol harm, it will be asking people to take part in a national online survey.

New Forest District Council
023 8028 5000
Appletree Court
Beaulieu Road
Lyndhurst
SO43 7PA

Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards officers are winning the battle against underage alcohol sales with 100 percent of stores passing the latest round of checks.

Test purchases were carried out at the end of August on ten shops across the Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, Kingsworthy and Fordingbridge areas, with each store refusing to sell to the Trading Standards underage volunteer.
Shopkeepers Take Tougher Stance Against Underage Sales

The results show that Hampshire retailers are getting much tougher on underage alcohol sales and demanding ID before any sale, and refusing sales to anyone under the age of 18.
Warning Over Proxy Sales

A warning is however going out to young people that may try to use alternative methods to get their hands on drink, perhaps turning to friends or relatives to buy it for them. Work continues between Hampshire County Council and the police to stamp out cases of proxy sales. Purchasing alcohol on behalf of under 18s is a crime carrying a potential £80 on the spot fine from the police, or court appearance where the fine could rise to £5,000.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber said:

“These latest test purchase results are very encouraging and I’m pleased that shopkeepers are taking such a robust stance against underage drinking across Hampshire and the anti-social behaviour that it can lead to. The results show that education and enforcement really do pay off.

“Despite the success however, there is no room for complacency and it’s important that this good work is not undone by allowing proxy alcohol sales to take place. Anyone making a purchase on behalf of under 18s needs to remember that they are breaking the law and risk prosecution.”

Retailers across Hampshire can get hold of Underage Sales Retailer Packs from Trading Standards to help them comply with legislation. The packs also offer advice on precautions to take, to reduce the possibility of underage sales taking place. In light of many people not looking their age a “Challenge 25″ policy has been introduced by some retailers as this further reduces the chance of making an underage sale.

Any retailer who would like a copy of the advice pack, should contact Hampshire County Council Trading Standards on 01962 833620.

Test purchasing operations take place throughout the year. If anyone suspects that a shop is selling age-restricted products to children they can call Hampshire County Council Trading Standards on 01962 833620 or by emailing underage.sales@hants.gov.uk. All information is treated in the strictest confidence.

Hampshire County Council

Spencer House Community Alcohol Advisory Service: Winchester
Advice and information for people with alcohol problems

About us:

Aims

The CDAAS offers assessment, treatment, advice and information for people with alcohol problems. CDAAS aims to provide a service that focuses on the ever-changing local needs and reflects the diversity of the community it serves

Status

Statutory: NHS and Local Authority

Target Group

People with alcohol or drug use who need treatment aged 18+

Models Of Practice

The team offers a multi-disciplinary service with experienced staff working to offer a broad range of community-based treatment options such as:

* Community Prescribing
* Care planning
* Motivational interviewing
* Relapse prevention
* Counselling
* Information on HIV/AIDS/HEP B and C
* Harm reduction
* Referral to Residential Rehabilitation and Detoxification

Opening Hours

Appointments:

Monday – Thursday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Friday: 9.00am – 4.30pm
Evening clinic available by appointment only

Duty service: Monday-Friday 9.30-12.30 and 1.30-4.30

Contact Details:

Spencer House Community Alcohol Advisory Service
63 Romsey Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO22 5DE

Telephone: 01962 863535

Francis House, Southampton
Treatment for people with a past or present addiction to drugs and / or alcohol

About us:

Francis House provides a primary and secondary treatment program for up to 18 people of either sex, between 18 and 64 years of age with a past or present addiction to drugs and / or alcohol. New clients maybe asked to share a bedroom. We aim to meet a clients needs, however we do not have the facilities for severely disabled people. We may not be able to meet the needs of some faiths as we have only one kitchen. However we are happy to discuss meeting various physical, spiritual and dietary needs on an assessment to see if our organisation can meet your needs.

At Francis House, we have been running our unique primary and secondary programme for three years. This programme consists of two stages.

First Stage

This stage of treatment last for 12 weeks, it deals with the problems of drug and alcohol dependence. We do a medical, psychological and social assessment and from these an individual care plan is developed, taking into account the individual clients needs.

It is our aim to get all clients to take an active role in treatment as quickly as possible so that the maximum benefit is gained in a relatively short space of time. Support comes from a diverse and friendly approachable treatment team, which relies on researched and proven methods of treatment. Primary treatment is especially about containment as well as giving new information. This method is utilised through out the treatment provided at Francis House. On completion of primary treatment a further treatment plan is developed, with the co-operation of the client and other relevant stakeholders.

Second Stage

This is also a 12-week programme. Here the clients learn to utilise and practice the in-house life-skill training program as well as relapse prevention techniques. Life-skills training includes such things as communication skills, assertiveness training, anger and anxiety management and family therapy, to name but a few. More responsibility is placed on clients to practice these coping skills in a safe and contained setting. In addition clients are introduced to local further education and self-help groups, they are encouraged to attend meetings and integrate more fully within the local support networks as well as get involved in the community through voluntary work.

Intended Service Users and Range of Needs

Francis House provides treatment program for up to 18 people who primary problem is either drugs or alcohol. We will always try to accommodate people with secondary needs as well, such as physical disabilities, however the limitations of our premises means this has to be addressed on a case by case basis in discussion with a potential service user. This is not a home which provides nursing care.

Care Planning Approach

Whilst you are in treatment you will have a focal counsellor. With your counsellor you will be dealing with your assessed needs using a care plan. This will help to monitor you goals, difficulties and achievements. You and your counsellor will review this at regular intervals. Each time a new care plan is devised by you and your counsellor it is a requirement that you sign it to show that you are in agreement with it.

Contact Details:

Francis House
2 Hulse Road
Southampton
Hampshire
SO15 2WG

Telephone: 02380 224481

Southampton: Alpha Residential Service
Alpha is a Therapeutic Community for people with drug and alcohol dependencies.

About us:

Alpha is a Therapeutic Community, offering individually designed programmes for people with drug and alcohol dependencies. Treatment includes regular group therapy, one to one counselling and peer mentoring. What is the Phoenix Futures Alpha Residential Service?

The Alpha Residential Service is a rehabilitation service for drug and alcohol misusers, located in the beautiful village of Droxford in Hampshire, in a large house in the countryside. The service caters for up to 35 adults aged 18+ who wish to take control of their drug or alcohol problem.

What does the Phoenix Futures Alpha Service aim to achieve?

The service provides a safe, supportive and structured environment where residents participate in groups and one-to-one sessions to explore the underlying reasons for their dependency. Through a process of self-awareness and understanding patterns of personal behaviour, residents are encouraged to acquire new skills and formulate strategies that will enable them to develop a healthy, drug free lifestyle and return to independent living in the community.

What kind of help and services can I expect?

The service offers a comprehensive therapeutic programme delivered by fully trained and professional staff. This is provided within a residential setting, ensuring access to a range of health and social care support services to suit individual needs. Participation in the therapeutic programme helps to promote change by encouraging self-worth and personal responsibility, challenging individual attitudes and behaviour, and encouraging the development of life and social skills.

Key features of the Service include:

• therapeutic community programme
• non-doctrinaire philosophy
• abstinence based
• fast access into treatment
• fully integrated detoxification programme
• individualised treatment plans
• group and one-to-one work
• additional gender specific groups
• offender behaviour work
• fully integrated skills and education programme
• relapse prevention
• fully integrated conservation therapy programme
• art therapy
• resettlement support
• aftercare services
• leisure and sports activities – camping, ice skating, mountain biking, sailing and team building, etc.

How is the rehabilitation programme structured?

The rehabilitation programme is tailored to your individual needs, within a framework of 4 Stages.

They are:
• Induction
• Primary Stage
• Senior Stage
• Re-entry Stage

The length of time you spend in each stage will depend on your individual needs and how quickly you achieve the goals identified for each stage of treatment. On admission to the service, individual care plans are developed between you, the key worker and multi-disciplinary team. As you progress through the programme, care concentrates on life skills and education to sustain long-term recovery on leaving the service.

Induction is the settling in stage of the programme when you can expect a high level of support from residents and staff. You will begin to learn about the programme and therapeutic community structure, the house routine and rules, while engaging and identifying with those people around you. You may also experience some withdrawals or undergo a detoxification programme at this stage.

Primary and Senior Stages of the programme concentrate on personal development, self-awareness and identifying the underlying and personal issues that play a role in the individual’s dependency. A comprehensive programme of groups, workshops and seminars take place throughout the week. Community meetings and other support sessions including encounter groups also take place to provide support and enable you to share feelings and ideas; and build healthy relationships with your peers.
The weekly timetable provides a balanced programme of structured activity, therapeutic interventions, skills acquisition, basic household chores, recreation and relaxation.

As part of the therapeutic community ethos, you are expected to participate fully in the house activities during Induction, Primary and Senior Stage. This includes taking an active part in the day to day running of the house and its maintenance and upkeep. These practical tasks are organised into separate “departments” such as cooking, gardening and laundry. These departments are run by the residents under staff supervision; and as residents progress through the programme, their responsibility increases for others and for the smooth running of the house.

Re-entry Stage focuses on supporting you to take the first steps towards integration into the wider community. Re-entry accommodation is provided on-site and off-site, accommodating 10 residents. A 5 bedroom cottage is located a short distance from the main house and a 5 bedroom house is located in Portsmouth, 20 miles away. Staff support provides assistance with practical issues and life skills such as housing, employment and establishing sustainable community support networks with a strong emphasis on personal independence.

An additional Aftercare Stage in the Community can also be accessed if appropriate, offering one-to-one key working and group support. (Available to residents residing in South Hampshire).

How long is the rehabilitation programme?

Most residents can expect to stay in treatment from anything from 6 months to 2 years depending upon their progress through the programme. On average, residents spend six to nine months undertaking the Primary and Senior Stage and three months in Re-entry. Shorter lengths of stay can be negotiated.

How is the service staffed?

The team offers 24 hour support, 7 days a week. All relevant criminal record, Local Authority and Department of Health checks are undertaken on staff engaged in client care. All staff have achieved or are working towards NVQ Level 3.
What about contact with family and friends?

Contact with family and friends are limited during the first few weeks at the service (exceptions can be made for children). This is to give new residents time to settle and adapt to their surroundings. Thereafter, visits can be organised in liaison with their key worker. Residents are not allowed mobile phones, but will have access to two pay phones and can receive mail from family and friends.

Contact Details:

Alpha Residential Service
Midlington Road
Droxford
Southampton
Hampshire
SO32 3PD

Telephone: 01489 872 811