If we can’t fit in, we ‘become the problem’
British South Asian women with addiction problems are often a community within a community within a community, hidden from view, says Shinasa Shahid (p6). Her article teaches us much about the ‘shame and blame’ that fuels stigma. When our families and communities give us a role we can’t fit into, we become the problem – which is why support services must be ready with the knowledge and sensitivity to respond.
How different might Raymond’s life have been if he’d had an early intervention for his problematic drinking (p12)? Now in a supportive environment at last, he’s lost the ambition to see life as ‘more than okay’. Opportunities do seem to be opening up for the candidates leaving prison on a pathway towards long-term paid employment, however (p14). This approach of ‘personalised, blended support’ has also taken root in Cornwall, where mental health, drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment requirements are considered as a treatment partnership (p16) – a theme also explored in our new commissioning series on p10.
And we’re delighted to reopen Release’s casebook in this issue (p18), with the ever-popular regular column. There’s no better way to demonstrate the value of challenging poor treatment than through effective advocacy support.
Read the July issue as an online magazine or download the PDF here
Claire Brown, editor
Please send your letters and comment to claire@cjwellings.com