drama group Archives - Drink and Drugs News

DDN takes a look at local news from the substance misuse field across the country Self-harm help goes mobile A new app has been launched to aid self-harm sufferers. Developed by Broadway Lodge in Weston-super-Mare, with help from the Big Lottery Fund and the Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust, the Recovery from self-harm app is designed to be discreet and accessible to those struggling with self-harm. It was developed after findings from Broadway Lodge’s annual school visit programme suggested that younger children and teenagers are reluctant to seek help or advice from doctors and charities. The app is available free from the Apple Store, and users have immediate access to websites, online support groups and advice from professionals. Broadway Lodge is also looking to set up a dedicated facility to support teacher training and treatment of self-harm, including counselling sessions for pupils. Research project looks to evidence A ‘melting pot’ for researchers, treatment providers and those in recovery has been created to undertake research focused on enhancing recovery from addiction. A group of researchers from Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam Universities, alongside representatives from treatment providers in the city, have formed the Sheffield Addiction Recovery Research Group (SARRG). The group aims to bridge the gap between treatment providers and the research community, and take a positive step towards 'evidence-based' recovery initiatives. DDN will be taking a more in-depth look at SARRG in a future good practice exchange Play it again The story of Claudia, a woman struggling with drugs and alcohol while trying to stay at the top of her music career, will be told by the Second Chance Players next month. The drama group, from CRI’s The Gateway service in Barking, is made up of service users, led by recovery worker Jean Dyerson. Their play The Appointment, based on a screenplay by Denis Osborne, will open at the Broadway Theatre in Barking on 5 March. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/appointments-by-cri-second-chance-players-tickets-15400816256 to register Sharing knowledge In Thurrock A recent open day, hosted by KCA Visions Thurrock, brought together healthcare practitioners and professionals from the police and probation services to learn about what help and support KCA could offer their clients. Thurrock’s mayor Steve Liddiard opened the event with a short speech, welcoming the fact that treatment was readily available. Visions Thurrock staff member Mike Jones, a former peer mentor, offered an insight into his former alcohol misuse and recovery journey. As well as a chance to meet colleagues and learn about services, guests also took part in a relaxation taster session and overdose awareness training. For more information about the service, email kcathurrock@kca.org.uk Community resource Francis Maude MP visited the social enterprise RE:SOURCE recently, to see how the project is addressing the cause and effect of social exclusion in Cornwall. Part of Addaction, the project works with the charity’s service users and the wider community to collect, clean, repair and refurbish unwanted furniture, appliances, bikes and other goods. The items are then sold in one of two shops to help fund the project. Mr Maude saw volunteers in their working environment, gaining training and work experience in a range of different roles. Building skills with social enterprise Groups of learners at HMP Dartmoor have successfully completed a social enterprise qualification (SEQ) developed by EDP Drug and Alcohol Services. The bronze level qualification involves setting up and running a one-off social enterprise activity, creating products to sell at a ‘pop-up shop’ in the prison and at EDP’s head office. Proceeds went to charity and support services, and the prisoners gained transferable skills for their employment on release from prison. The SEQ equips learners with the social enterprise knowledge to address environmental or social issues. It is a global qualification which is undertaken in a range of settings, including schools, housing associations, youth justice centres, and most recently premier football clubs and prisons. EDP is now looking to deliver the SEQ in other prisons in Dorset and Devon, and staff are also being trained to deliver the qualification to those preparing to leave prison.

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Local news from the substance misuse field