DDN takes a look at local news from the substance misuse field across the country
Drugs worker to run London marathon
A drugs worker based in Somerset will be running the London marathon to raise money for Addaction.
Ex service user Joe James, who has been in recovery for five years, has been working as a substance misuse practitioner for 18 months and runs regularly as part of her recovery. She aims to raise money to support the services that helped her during her treatment.
‘A drugs service kept me alive and offered me hope when I didn’t think I had any,’ said James. ‘I’m so passionate about raising as much money as I can for this cause. It’s a personal mission.’
To sponsor Joe visit www.justgiving.com/Joey-James
Southwest project raises legal high awareness
A new project has been launched by Addaction in Cornwall to offer advice on the risks associated with new psychoactive substances.
To raise awareness, the project will put up posters about the side effects of legal highs, and a series of drop-in sessions and workshops will be held to offer factual information and advice on preventing harm, and answer the questions of anyone seeking help.
Addaction Cornwall has also created a Facebook group to provide online support.
‘There are so many myths about these new substances,’ said operations manager Darren Jones. ‘This project will bring the facts to people’s attention so they know all about the dangers and risks involved and hopefully make safer choices.’
Humbercare Changes work recognised
Humbercare Changes staff were recently recognised for their work at an event held at the House of Commons.
Parliamentary under secretary of state for public health Jane Ellison thanked Changes staff members David Reade and Adele Birbeck for their work in supporting public health.
Birbeck was also recognised for her efforts in working with and supporting families.
Mental health charity organises election hustings
London Cyrenians will be organising a series of mental health hustings in London in the run-up to the general election.
Working with Westminster Mind, K&C Mind, and Hammersmith and Fulham St Mungo’s Broadway, Cyrenians have created the ‘I’m In!’ events with the aim of raising awareness and increasing political empowerment for those in mental health treatment across London.
Representatives from the Conservative, Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties will be present at each event.
For more information, contact camstreet@cyrenians.london
New Brighton service opens
A new drug and alcohol service opened in Brighton this month, offering a drop-in service and 24-hour helpline to support local service users.
Launched on 1 April, the Pavilions Partnership, led by Cranstoun, worked closely with Surrey and Borders NHS Partnership Foundation Trust, Equinox, the Brighton Oasis Project, YMCA Downslink and Cascade Creative Recovery to develop a service that would respond to the needs of service users in Brighton.
Pavilions will offer street outreach and hostel in-reach teams, and specialist and dedicated support for families, carers, and women with specific needs.
Drugs manager retires after 26 years of service
Steph Noble, registered manager at Broadway Lodge, retired this month after 26 years of commitment and dedicated care to the charity’s clients. Over her career she has supported more than 13,000 individuals during their journey towards abstinence.
Broadway Lodge CEO Brian Dudley presented Noble with a present and plaque in appreciation of her years of work.
Local residents to influence public services
Southampton residents are being invited by the council to take part in local decision making by joining Southampton’s People’s Panel.
The aim of the panel is to influence how public services are delivered, as well as highlighting issues that need to be addressed, and will help Southampton City Council and Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to meet the needs of local residents.
Anyone over the age of 18 is invited to join the panel.
For more information, visit http://www.southampton.gov.uk/council-democracy/have-your-say/peoples-panel-questions.aspx