Substance misuse service opens its doors to recovery

 

Cheshire East substance misuse service welcomed over 40 members of the local community to publically launch the new service (24 February).

Cheshire East Council appointed Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) as lead provider of the all-age service in November 2014. The new and integrated service is designed for people whose lives are affected by drug or alcohol issues.

The open day was held at one of the Trust’s sites, Catherine House in Crewe, to show local people the types of support available and how people can access it. Service partners also provided interactive demonstrations to show people how to take better care of themselves as part of holistic recovery and wider health and well-being.

Kat Chapman, a spokesperson at the event, spoke about her addiction to drugs along with Noel Baker who spoke about his issues with alcohol. Kat said: “Without the support of this service, I wouldn’t be here today. I began using cannabis, but then moved on to harder stuff. I didn’t realise I had a problem, I just thought I was doing a bit too much at the time, until I hit rock bottom and was close to losing everything.

“The team helped build me back up, they didn’t judge me or question me, just accepted that I needed help and support. I would encourage anyone to get help as early as you can. I am living proof that there is hope and you can recover.”

Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, Cheshire East’s director of public health, said: “Doctors and nurses tell us they are incredibly worried about the amount of alcohol people are drinking. The new service will help us do more to help people avoid the physical, mental and social damage so often seen as a result of misuse of alcohol or drugs.”

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East’s cabinet member in charge of care and health in the community said: “We are delighted to have CWP deliver the new service. The change in the service design means there will be a greater focus on prevention and early help support.

“We want the best for our young people. Families and adults and this service will help empower people to develop skills and confidence to build stronger and safer communities.”

Andy Styring, director of operations for CWP, says: “Substance misuse affects all members of our communities; from those who have issues themselves to those around them such as their family and friends. We are committed to seeing the ‘whole person’ and not just the condition. By working with people and their families, we want to reduce avoidable harms and continue to deliver the best care possible, as safely as possible in collaboration with our service partners.”

The substance misuse service is open to people of all ages whose lives are affected by drug or alcohol issues. Referral is accepted from any source including self-referral and via a GP.