Drink and Drugs News December 2020 – January 2021 ISSN 1755-6236

A FRAGILE PICTURE Commissioning in an age of cuts GOING VIRAL A look back at a tumultuous year

FACING UP ADDRESSING THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL MISUSE ON VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

UPFRONT

IN THIS ISSUE Drink and Drugs News is published by CJ Wellings Ltd, INSIDE Romney House, School Road, 4 NEWS HAT success; risky drinking Ashford, Kent TN27 0LT t: 0845 299 3429 6 13 LETTERS Let’s stay positive Editor: Claire Brown 13 PARLIAMENT Tackling homelessness e: [email protected] Advertising manager: Ian Ralph 14 REVIEW OF THE YEAR Looking back e: [email protected] over an extraordinary 12 months Reporter: David Gilliver 15 BILL NELLES on a small ray of optimism e: [email protected] Designer: Jez Tucker 16 I AM A... detox manager e: [email protected] 17 BOOK REVIEW The Wild Remedy Subscriptions: e: [email protected] 17 GYPSY COMMUNITY Support from EDP website: 18 CHRISTMAS REHAB Phoenix’s good cheer www.drinkanddrugsnews.com ON THE COVER: Alcohol and veterans Website support by 19 MY WISH for meaningful support wiredupwales.com Printed on environmentally Commissioners friendly paper by the Manson must adapt to Treating school Group Ltd an increasingly Alcohol education children as criminals Cover by: Eden Breitz / Alamy 10 fragile picture for the over-50s is a recipe for disaster CJ Wellings Ltd does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers. The contents of this magazine 8 12 are the copyright of CJ Wellings Ltd, but do not necessarily represent its views, or those of its partner organisations.

PLEASE GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK! ‘There are much-needed

‘DDN has its finger on the pulse of glimpses of hope’ drug and alcohol treatment and the Our news in this issue leads with the positive results of the heroin wider context... keep on keeping on!’ assisted treatment pilot in Middlesbrough – a scheme whose dramatic impact has resulted in funding to evaluate it, and which We love reading your feedback and will hopefully encourage further roll-out. These are the moments suggestions – please fill in our readers’ we must look for in a terribly difficult year. Our review of the last survey at www.drinkanddrugsnews. 12 months (p14) reminds us of the painful decisions and swift adaptations we all had to make – but it also tells the story of services com/ddn-readers-survey-2020/ rising to the challenge and gives much-needed glimpses of hope. There are many opportunities ahead, particularly through DDN is a self-funded independent publication. Our bespoke partnership packages provide partnership working. Adfam and the Forces in Mind Trust have an opportunity to work closely with the magazine. Please get in touch to find out more. been finding ways to support veterans and their families (p6), answering a massive need that’s been flagged up for so long in our sector. Alcohol Awareness Week has galvanised services from all over the country to educate and inspire for the common cause (p8). And a parent’s concern about a school’s approach to drugs is an invitation to comment on this fundamentally important matter (p12). We’ve also focused on the vital process of commissioning (p10), with an invite to join the debate. A heartfelt thank you to those of you who have already completed our readers’ survey. If you haven’t yet, please do! Season’s greetings and all the very best. Claire Brown, editor Keep in touch at www.drinkanddrugsnews.com and @DDNmagazine

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 3 NEWS ROUND-UP

Middlesbrough HAT pilot has ‘dramatic impact’

he Middlesbrough of diamorphine under supervision, heroin assisted and have access to agencies that treatment (HAT) pilot can help with health, housing and launched last year financial issues. Analysis of six (DDN, November 2019, participants who have spent at Tpage 5) has had a ‘dramatic impact’, least 30 weeks on the programme according to the programme’s found a 98 per cent attendance rate clinical team lead Daniel Ahmed. for the sessions, even throughout Teesside University has now lockdown, while offending been given a £60,000 grant to levels have plummeted. The six independently evaluate the scheme participants had committed more and its results. than 540 detected crimes before The HAT pilot, the UK’s first, was joining, which has since fallen to a launched to tackle high rates of combined total of three lower-level street drug deaths and drug litter, offences. remove the health risks associated The scheme, which has been www.gazettelive.co.uk with street heroin, and divert licensed by the Home Office, was people from acquisitive crime launched and partly funded by of Teesside University, Professor ‘This is not a soft and offending behaviour. Since its Cleveland PCC Barry Coppinger Graham Towl of Durham University launch, 14 people for whom all using money seized under the and Dr Magdalena Harris of the option, it’s a smart other treatment had failed and Proceeds of Crime Act, with London School of Hygiene and were causing ‘most concern’ to further funding from Durham Tees Tropical Medicine. Of the original option.' criminal justice and health and Valley Community Rehabilitation 14 participants, one left voluntarily DANIEL AHMED social care agencies have been Company. The new research will and two left after committing a accepted on to the programme. look at the experiences of people crime, while treatment had to be Some had been using heroin for who have ‘completed, discontinued stopped in four cases for medical more than 20 years. or refused to engage’ with the reasons. The remaining seven are said Ahmed. ‘What we are doing is Participants visit a clinic twice programme, and will be carried still receiving treatment. ‘This is not following an evidence base that is a day to receive a prescribed dose out by Professor Tammi Walker a soft option, it’s a smart option,’ producing results.’ A week’s units for ‘Historic victory’ in Oregon

THE DIVISIVE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION tax and savings from not processing ‘price of a coffee’ also saw Oregon become the first state people through the criminal justice to vote in favour of decriminalising system. Anyone arrested for offences DRINKERS IN ENGLAND can consume their entire weekly possession of small amounts of all drugs related to drug dealing will still be subject guideline amount of alcohol for the price of a coffee, for personal use. to criminal prosecution. according to research from the Alcohol Health Alliance. The state’s electorate voted ‘yes’ to The initiative had been launched by The alliance visited shops and supermarkets across Oregon Measure 110, which supports advocacy group the Drug Policy Alliance, the UK and found that the cheapest drinks were all making ‘personal non-commercial which called the result a ‘historic victory’, a in England, where no minimum unit price has been possession of a controlled substance’ ‘monumental night for drug policy reform’, introduced. ‘It is possible to drink the low-risk weekly – including heroin, cocaine and and ‘arguably the biggest blow to the guidelines of 14 units for just £2.68 – about the price of methamphetamine – subject to no more war on drugs to date’. The vote confirmed a cup of coffee in many high street chains,’ the alliance than a $100 fine, as well as establishing ‘a substantial shift in public support’ in states. Beers, wines and spirits were all on sale in London a treatment and recovery programme favour of treating drug use as a health branches of Aldi and Lidl for between 31 and 38p per financed in part by the state’s marijuana rather than criminal issue, it said. unit, while cider remains the cheapest product – available for as little as 19p per unit. The minimum unit price in OREGON is the first US State to decriminalise drug possession. Measure 110 makes Scotland and Wales is 50p. it a noncriminal violation (similar to a traffic offence) to possess: A YouGov survey carried out in October found that 56 • Less than 1 gram of heroin • Less than 40 units of LSD per cent of the public would support an increase in alcohol • Less than 1 gram, or less than 5 pills, • Less than 12 grams of psilocybin taxes if the money was used to fund services impacted by of MDMA • Less than 40 units of methadone alcohol, such as the NHS and police. While alcohol duty • Less than 2 grams of • Less than 40 pills of oxycodone raises between £10bn and £12bn per year, PHE estimates methamphetamine • Less than 2 grams of cocaine the annual cost of alcohol-related harm at £27bn.

4 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM News DDN EVERY DAY All the news, updated daily www.drinkanddrugsnews.com

More than half of over 50s Local News drinking at risky levels

ore than 50 per of at least one parent since March. cent of over 50s ‘We know that life changes such as are drinking at bereavement, retirement and a lack levels that ‘could of purpose have led to older adults cause health drinking more in recent years while Mproblems now or in the future’, younger generations are drinking Higher learning according to research commissioned less,’ said head of the Drink Wise, RCPsych’s ‘higher trainee of by With You (We Are With You), Age Well programme at With You, the year’ award has gone to while almost a quarter are classed Julie Breslin. ‘Nearly 80 per cent Dr Emmert Roberts at the as ‘high risk or possibly dependent’. of over 50s we work with drink at National Addiction Centre. The findings have been released as home alone, hidden from view. It’s ‘Addiction psychiatry is a the charity launches a free helpline clear from these findings that the subspecialty on the brink for anyone over 50 who may be necessary coronavirus restrictions 'Coronavirus of extinction,’ he said, worried about their drinking. Using have exacerbated these issues restrictions have and hoped the award a validated screening tool, the whilst having a big impact on older helped RCPsych advocate survey of 1,150 people also found adults’ mental health.’ exacerbated these ‘for funding parity for the that more than 4m over 50s were Meanwhile, Change Grow Live millions of patients with binge drinking at least once a week has developed a short online quiz issues whilst drug, alcohol and tobacco during lockdown. Almost 2m stated to help people find out if they are having a big impact addiction in the UK’. that lockdown had led to them drinking dependently and the kind List of winners at drinking earlier in the day, while of support they are likely to need, on older adults’ www.rcpsych.ac.uk more than 5m said that restrictions as well a free webchat service. ONS had led to them drinking alone. estimates suggest that the total mental health.' Light work People aged over 55 are already number of people drinking more JULIE BRESLIN The Blue Light project has the group most likely to drink at than the recommended guidelines now worked with more hazardous levels, the charity points increased from 4.8m to 8.4m than 70 local authorities out. More than 1.3m over 50s said during the first lockdown. ‘It is now and is looking to engage the second lockdown would lead to essential that the government acts implications for public health will be with more to help develop them drinking ‘even more’, however. to address this increase in higher disastrous’ their responses to change As well as the effects of lockdown risk drinking,’ said Change Grow Live • Helpline at 0808 8010750. resistant drinkers. on drinking habits and mental executive director Nic Adamson. • Alcohol quiz at www. Contact Mike.Ward@ health, the research also reveals its ‘Unless we have the capacity to changegrowlive.org/advice-info/ alcoholchange.org.uk impact on families, with one in three reach and support over 3m more alcohol-drugs/alcohol-drinking- people whose parents are over 50 people who are now identified as levels-quiz-self-assessment worried about the drinking habits high-risk drinkers, the long-term • See feature page 8 Military mindset ACMD: Reclassify GHB MORE THAN 70 PER CENT of serving and ex-service GHB, GBL AND RELATED COMPOUND 1,4-BD should personnel with an alcohol problem have not sought be reclassified as class B substances, the ACMD has help, according to a Forces in Mind Trust report by stated in a letter to home secretary Priti Patel. She had the University of Liverpool and King’s College. Only written to the ACMD earlier this year requesting an Key lessons half of those who met the criteria for alcohol misuse urgent review of GHB’s classification following high A full evaluation of even recognised that they had a problem, it adds. profile cases in which it had been used to facilitate London’s Homeless Hotel ‘We know that military personnel are more rapes and murders (DDN, February, page 5). Drug and Alcohol Service likely to experience alcohol problems than the However, classification and scheduling on their (HDAS) (DDN, September, general population and this report has established own are ‘unlikely’ to be sufficient to significantly page 6) – established that a large proportion of those with a problem do reduce the harms associated with GHB and related to provide support to not seek any help,’ said Dr Laura Goodwin of the substances (GHBRS), the commission states, and calls people in emergency hotel University of Liverpool. ‘One reason for this is due for improved monitoring and reporting of levels of accommodation during to low recognition of alcohol problems, which may use. the pandemic – has been be driven by heavy drinking being normalised in a There also needs to be better integration of drug published, including military context. We need to do more to address treatment and sexual health service commissioning guidance for future the stigma around alcohol problems and to support to tackle the harms associated with GHBRS use, it provision. Lessons learned at those who require support to access it.’ Help seeking says, as well as measures to ensure that services are https://osf.io/7cdbx/ for alcohol problems at www.fim-trust.org/reports/ accessible and non-exclusive.

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 5 VETERANS

The home front Despite high levels of problematic substance use among ex-services personnel, the ingrained forces mentality can mean a reluctance to seek help – something that also extends to their families, says Robert Stebbings

hilst the done so for many years, and majority unsurprisingly this can translate of serving to alcohol dependency amongst personnel former members of the armed successfully forces in subsequent years, whilst Wtransition out of the forces and issues around drug dependency back into civilian society, sadly also exist. it is also the case that many Such substance use problems veterans encounter difficulties rarely exist in isolation and the with substance use. Alcohol presence of a number of co- consumption plays a significant occurring problems, such as mental role in military culture, having health, violence/abuse, criminal

Force for change We need to better serve those who’ve served, says Ray Lock

ack in the eighties, forces in the 2020s though has I was based near changed – most are based in the Düsseldorf as one of UK and increasingly they and their around a hundred families are integrated into local thousand members communities. Alcohol use has Bof British Forces Germany. Friday certainly fallen, and the Ministry night was happy hour – although of Defence has been trying for it carried on until midnight. some years to lower consumption Saturday night was often a formal among its people via health dinner, and Sunday a jazz lunch. strategies. Sadly, a recent initiative Long before it became popular to introduce an annual check has in the UK, Warsteiner lager had been suspended due to COVID-19, gained the nickname ‘wobbly’ for although the ministry’s intent is the effect it had the morning after. clear. But the steps taken so far fall Alcohol was tax free, the only well short of those recommended drugs taken were Brufen and life by the Commission on Alcohol was good (if you discounted the Harm. When I ran a large base in threat of nuclear Armageddon). Wiltshire, we had over a hundred

Life for members of the armed separately licensed bars selling Dyer / Alamy Edward

6 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM behaviour, and employment/ ‘There was just individuals leave the armed forces to examine how it could fit within financial difficulties, add further and that this can cause problems their work, to provide evidence- complexity. These problems – and nobody I could go for veterans and, therefore, their based targeted support to this their cumulative and longstanding families. Furthermore, we were important group of families. nature – can also have a significant to; I just had to told about stoicism amongst and sustained impact on veterans’ military personnel and how they This article is based on Fighting families. kind of live that are expected to be strong and their own battle, a new research Over the past year we’ve been life... I couldn’t infallible, and should not expose, report outlining the experiences of speaking with families of veterans or ask for help with, vulnerabilities families of veterans with substance with substance use problems tell people that and problems. This mindset of not use problems (FVSUs), along (FVSUs) across the country, and being open about problems, and with a support model designed through their testimonies have was the life I was hence being unwilling to come specifically for FVSUs. This work was learnt how they can be profoundly forward for help, extends to the funded by the Forces in Mind Trust affected by their loved ones’ living.’ families too. and delivered by Adfam and the drinking and drug problems, ‘There was just nobody I could University of York. experiencing high levels of isolation go to; I just had to kind of live that Thank you to the many FVSUs and loneliness, yet rarely appearing However, we now know there life... I couldn’t tell people that across the country who took the time to access support for themselves. are a number of ways that the that was the life I was living’ (FVSU to share their experiences so openly ‘I became anxious and lost experiences of veterans’ families research participant). and honestly, particularly those on a lot of weight as I was stressed differ to those of civilian families, Specific support for FVSUs is our project advisory group, and also and worried. I was tearful and and certain characteristics of sparse, and of the support that is to the Forces in Mind Trust for their frustrated all of the time and military culture play a particularly available, many aren’t aware of vital support in helping us deliver this worried what would happen to me influential role in how this specific how or where they can access it. work and our project partners Bristol and my children’ (FVSU research group of families are affected. Opportunities to engage FVSUs Drugs Project, HMP Parc, SSAFA and participant). In addition to heavy and when serving personnel and Tom Harrison House. Through our work at Adfam frequent use of alcohol, there veterans access help are also often You can find out more about this we know all about the challenges is also the ‘fighting mentality’ missed. Based on the findings from research and download the research families affected by substance instilled into serving personnel this research, we have developed a report in full along with the support use face day-to-day – fear, abuse, from the start of their training. It holistic, multi-component support model on Adfam’s website. stigma and mental health was felt that not enough is done model to address this and would Robert Stebbings is policy and problems to name but a few. to address this mentality when encourage all support organisations communications lead at Adfam

beer at half the commercial price – Those dangerous habits of are unlikely to form during service. hardly what the commission wants. alcohol misuse, developed during ‘Those dangerous A single transgression will almost So the relationship members service and masked to an extent by habits of alcohol always result in discharge, as of the armed forces have with institutional encouragement and between 600 and 770 serving alcohol remains problematical, a generally fit population, are not misuse, developed personnel find out each year, which is why we at Forces in shed with the uniform. We know, but their treatment requires Mind Trust funded Fighting their again from the evidence, that the during service improvement. Our research own battle, the University of proportion of serving personnel project Fall out – the impact of a York’s study, with Adfam, into the with damaging levels of alcohol and masked to compulsory drugs discharge with support needed by families of ex- consumption is significantly an extent by Galahad SMS Ltd will report shortly. service personnel with substance greater than the civilian equivalent, Evidence is clear that the misuse. It’s useful to recognize and the same holds true for the institutional successful transition of a veteran that the armed forces aren’t veterans population. is a successful transition for anywhere near as homogenous as This mixture of ingrained encouragement their family too. We speak about an observer might think. From day habits, an avoidance of help ‘holistic’ transition a lot, and we one, alcohol is used to overcome seeking and an easy retreat (at and a generally apply the same to any support social inhibitions, provide an least whilst under the influence) fit population, are that’s offered – which is why the acceptable environment in which from daily reality, provides a fertile joined up and wraparound family to let off steam, and to bond. ground for a downward spiral. not shed with the force support model is so exciting. Our research consistently shows Families are likewise affected, It needs modest additional that when it’s time to leave, most where the barrier between uniform.’ resource, but much greater serving people successfully make relatives and the veteran built connectivity, such as between local the transition into civilian life. during service as a means of services and the ‘veterans gateway’. For some though, the absence protection can remain in place greater, the alcohol misuse Becoming veteran aware would of shared values, recognizable during tough times. Where the more severe and the chances of be a great first step forward towards structure and comradeship, veteran has comorbid conditions, successful transition reduced. helping those who have served their together with a less-rewarding for example mental ill health, A word on drugs. The armed country, and those they love. professional life and diminished or there are other issues such forces operate what amounts to Ray Lock CBE has been chief personal pride, can build a barrier as domestic violence, then the a zero-tolerance policy for illegal executive of Forces in Mind Trust to that successful transition. barriers are higher, the stigma drug use, and habits or addictions since 2012

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 7 ALCOHOL AWARENESS Wise Up With awareness of the damaging effects of alcohol still nowhere near where it should be, DDN looks at some recent attempts to educate the public about the risks most of us still tend to ignore

he third week of last per cent level, depending on which COVID-19 lockdowns on people’s A YouGov survey commissioned month was Alcohol survey you look at, with awareness drinking habits, the need has by Turning Point found that more Awareness Week, of the links with conditions like arguably never been greater to make than one in ten people who which this year high blood pressure and heart sure people are armed with as much experienced loneliness were turning took the theme of disease also remaining low. knowledge as possible. to alcohol to cope (DDN, March, alcohol and mental None of this is helped, of course, page 5), while new research from health (DDN, November, page by the fact that self-regulation COPING MECHANISMS With You (We Are With You) has T5). While the long-established means that inclusion of health risk And that impact seems to have revealed that more than 4m over- week complements other annual information on alcohol labelling been significant. More than a 50s were binge drinking at least initiatives like Dry January and is still voluntary, and the industry quarter of drinkers said they drank once a week during lockdown (see Sober October, the public’s has in the past even been accused more during the first lockdown, news, page 5). The same survey awareness around alcohol remains of deliberately misrepresenting with half of this group saying found that 5.2m over-50s were stubbornly low. the evidence about alcohol-related they’d probably keep drinking drinking alone because of the When the government launched cancer risks (DDN, October 2017, at the same levels after it lifted restrictions, with 1.9m drinking its consultation on labelling all page 4). What’s more, there hasn’t (DDN, July/August, page 5). And earlier in the day. alcohol products with calorie been a new UK alcohol strategy for lockdowns have significantly While it’s long been apparent information it was revealed that almost a decade, and it’s unlikely exacerbated existing problems of that many older people increase despite 3.4m people consuming to be near the top of the list of loneliness and isolation, both of their alcohol consumption as a an extra day’s worth of calories government priorities anytime which can mean people increasing result of things like retirement and each week in the form of alcohol, soon. With the added impact of the their alcohol intake. boredom, it’s clear that lockdowns around 80 per cent of the public were unaware of the calorific content of their drinks (DDN, October, page 4). And while most people probably know that excessive drinking can cause liver damage, awareness levels of the links between alcohol use and cancer tend to hover Change, Grow, Live alcohol advice quiz at www.changegrowlive.org around the 10-13

8 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM ‘We did a survey... about five years ago of nearly 17,000 people and identified things like loss of sense of purpose as factors that led to increased alcohol use for people over 50...

What we’re seeing is that those Dmytro Zinkevych | Dreamstime.com similar factors as a result of lockdown are significantly worsening these age-inclusive. So the helpline is very stating that unless the government problems, as head of With You’s much about being as accessible as acts to address the recent increases – loss of routine Drink Wise, Age Well programme, we can for people who maybe want in people drinking at risky levels the and, very sadly for Julie Breslin, tells DDN. ‘We to start having that conversation long-term implications for public did a survey at the start of the about changing their alcohol use.’ health would be ‘disastrous’ (see some, bereavement programme about five years But even among those who news, page 5). ago of nearly 17,000 people and have already accessed treatment Alcohol Awareness Week also – are going to make identified things like loss of sense COVID-19 restrictions are having saw Turning Point organise an of purpose as factors that led to an effect, with a peer-led survey by online forum focusing on areas that a lot worse for increased alcohol use for people Kaleidoscope finding that 34 per such as mental health and alcohol’s people.’ over 50,’ she says. ‘What we’re cent of dependent drinkers receiving effects on relationships and loved seeing is that those similar factors support in Wales had relapsed ones, as well as sharing additional JULIE BRESLIN as a result of lockdown – loss of during first lockdown. content on the Recovery News routine and, very sadly for some, Channel with videos from Swindon bereavement – are going to make RAISING AWARENESS & Wiltshire IMPACT and its Leicester, that a lot worse for people.’ There is still a huge amount of work Leicestershire and Rutland ‘Dear a strategy that’s much more to be done in terms of getting vital Albert’ services. The charity also focused on human rights and REACHING OUT health information out there, Breslin used its Twitter account to highlight health promotion,’ says Breslin. In response, With You has launched stresses. ‘That level of awareness different aspects of its available ‘When you look at the Scottish a free, national and confidential around wider health conditions support throughout the week. strategy compared to the UK’s it’s over-50s alcohol-specific helpline, really needs to be increased. People ‘It is estimated that 82 per really focused on recovery, rights available seven days a week. The very much think of alcohol in cent of dependent drinkers are and respect. I think we need to idea was partly to try to reach out relation to liver disease, they don’t not in treatment and that hospital have much more of a focus on the to people who would normally think of the other factors – cancer, admissions due to alcohol have risen issues that people are actually be unlikely to consider accessing heart disease, dementia, cognitive almost a fifth in the last decade,’ experiencing, whereas up until treatment services, she says. ‘We impairment. People need to said Nat Travis, Turning Point’s the now the strategy has very already know that only about one understand the wider implications.’ national head of public health and much been around the criminal in five people who are alcohol- Change Grow Live has now substance misuse. ‘There is still a justice side of things. Obviously, dependent are in treatment anyway, launched a short online alcohol long way to go, but occasions like regulation is crucial – things like and we feel that would be even less advice quiz to provide people Alcohol Awareness Week are a great MUP – but what I would like to see as people get older. There are more with fast and accurate evaluation opportunity to open up the dialogue is a much more compassionate and more barriers to treatment of their drinking and the kind of and start making changes.’ strategy.’ DDN as we age, which is down to lots support they might need (www. of things – individual stigma, changegrowlive.org/advice-info/ RECOVERY, RIGHTS AND RESPECT Next issue: Mike Ashton looks at system-level stigma, and ageism. alcohol-drugs/alcohol-drinking- So when an alcohol strategy does ‘controlled drinking’ and some of We really need to look at the design levels-quiz-self-assessment), with finally come along, what should the most controversial studies seen of our services and whether they’re executive director Nic Adamson be in it? ‘What I’d like to see is in alcohol treatment

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 9 COMMISSIONING

here are many of us working in isolation with growing portfolios beyond drugs and alcohol.’ Niamh Cullen is giving ‘Ther perspective of the challenges A FRAGILE faced by commissioners. As a public health manager in Halifax, she is balancing the increased workload with ever-dwindling resources. ‘It’s not the time to be fixed to service specs,’ she says. ‘We need to work in PICTURE an agile way to adapt to continuous change.’ Cullen and her fellow commissioners in England are no strangers to the need to adapt. In 2013, the NTA was merged into Public Health England and drug and alcohol budgets were transferred to local authorities, controlled by directors of public health. Since then, the landscape has shifted beyond recognition as services fight for survival and vie for priority. Commissioning with a ‘client centric’ approach has meant thinking creatively about ways to stay ahead of the countless challenges. Many of the trusted partnerships have been dismantled through this period of change, she points out. Furthermore, a great deal of back office resources have had to be sacrificed to prevent further cuts in services. Cullen has joined a growing network of commissioners from different parts of the country who are trying to energise the commissioning process and harness mutual support. Chris Lee, a public health specialist in Lancashire, is one of the enthusiasts behind this initiative and a founding member of The English Substance Use Commissioners Group (ESUCG), formed earlier this year as a forum for commissioners (DDN, June, page 11). While the coronavirus pandemic has dominated most of the year, the idea behind the group Commissioning is struggling under will drive it beyond the immediate crisis. It’s a ‘safe space’, he says, ‘to relentless rounds of cuts. DDN learn together and develop best practice for the years ahead, taking hears about the need to collaborate into account all that the sector and local government has been through to keep clients moving forward in the last seven years or so.’ The lack of formal mandated structures has left commissioning

fragile in some parts of the country, JellyPics Photomontage:

10 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM and it’s a picture the group wider approach across the health, wants to change. ‘Partnership social care, housing and education involvement and relationships can sectors to meeting the needs of be hit and miss between different people using substance misuse areas, which doesn’t seem fair on services. ‘We aim to design services people who need support,’ says Will around people,’ she says, and this Haydock, senior health programme involves ‘trying to improve the advisor at Public Health Dorset. The pathway for people using services group is devising a workplan, but is through joint commissioning for waiting for the recommendations outcomes and exploring looking of Dame Carol Black’s review (DDN, ‘Trust is key, at how best to align provision ‘When I joined July/Aug, page 5) to avoid any throughout the system. duplication or inconsistency. alongside mutual ‘As commissioners we are Southwark, when They are, however, certain that respect and always trying to balance the the PCT still their plan will focus on developing challenge of providing effective, best practice and workforce skills in equality, and it’s high-quality, evidence-based, existed, there were all different areas – including tier joined-up treatment and support, 4 (both detox and rehab), criminal important to with the longer-term vision of 11 people between justice commissioning, and prevention,’ she says. ‘We take a complex needs. Reducing drug- and include everyone, public health approach but there’s the DAAT and the alcohol-related deaths will be at the sub-contracted always more we can do… it would PCT, doing the the top of the agenda. be really useful to discuss these smaller providers challenges with commissioners functions that two BEST PRACTICE from other areas of the UK to learn One aspect of commissioning that too.’ from each other.’ of us now do.’ comes through very strongly in the ‘best practice’ conversation NIAMH CULLEN DAAT RETENTION IAIN GRAY is the need for it to be a natural The London borough of Southwark part of the public health agenda. has retained a drug and alcohol The ESUCG talk about how drugs further improve outcomes.’ team (DAAT) structure, which Wirral easier than getting them on and alcohol issues should be Commissioning of substance gives the team a clear remit to a bus up to City Roads? No, it’s not. everybody’s business, permeating misuse services in Wales is the commission treatment and support It’s so obvious.’ into all areas of social care, responsibility of area planning services related to this client group. Despite the many challenges, education and all aspects of life. boards, and these are made up The enormous challenge related to connections with local treatment Networking right across the of members of the ‘responsible this is that their budget has been services are still strong and sector is key to this, says Niamh authorities’ which form the severely reduced. essential to putting service Cullen, and making sure that community safety partnerships in ‘When I joined Southwark, users first. ‘We collaborate and substance misuse services are linked Wales. The area planning boards when the PCT still existed, there consult heavily in the design into primary care networks and local also have responsibility for providing were 11 people between the DAAT of services,’ says Gray, which developments and are on the ‘front strategic leadership to deliver the and the PCT, doing the functions influenced them to invest in a foot’ of what’s happening locally. Welsh Government’s substance that two of us now do,’ says Iain dynamic purchasing system for ‘Trust is key, alongside mutual misuse strategy across their regions, Gray, a commissioner with 15 commissioning residential rehab respect and equality,’ she says, ‘and and so commissioning decisions years’ experience. Partnership and residential detox services– a it’s important to include everyone, are made taking into account both working was easier with a larger flexible framework that’s working the sub-contracted smaller the long-term vision of prevention, team, but with only two people, well to match clients to services providers too. We need to share risks and the current needs of a region’s partnership working is an area that around the country. ‘We took on – sometimes big ones, particularly population. has suffered. board what our local services said working in an environment of ‘With the cuts, you look at it on and their experiences previously contract extensions.’ PARTNERSHIP paper and try to make sense of it. with dynamic purchasing systems A strong relationship between Partnership decision-making is We have cut X, Y and Z as they’ve to make sure we didn’t make the commissioners and providers at the core of the commissioning asked us to, but they still come same mistakes,’ he says. increases capacity for strategic process, and there are close back for more,’ he says, knowing As with colleagues all over the work, says Cullen. The other relationships with Welsh that it will keep getting worse. country there’s a weary acceptance essential partners are of course the Government, explains Eleri Probert, He worries particularly about the of a difficult climate but a strong service users, and the group is keen a commissioning programme vulnerable clients who are bearing will to push through to get the to talk about co-production rather manager. The benefits of this have the brunt of local services being right result for those who will than service user involvement to been seen during the COVID-19 sliced away. ‘When I started there most feel the impact. As Gray says, make sure it is never tokenistic. pandemic: the Welsh Government were seven or eight detox units in ‘Everything in the garden isn’t ‘The task is ensuring that co- responded promptly to local London – there is now one, for the rosy, but we are determined to get production is common practice, clinicians seeking to expand a pilot whole of London,’ he says. ‘That clients’ needs met.’ DDN and we should focus on how that of long-acting buprenorphine by doesn’t mean that we don’t use is embedded rather than on service investing in a rapid national roll- other detoxes outside of London, This article has been produced with user involvement,’ she says. ‘We out, with positive results. but for complex clients who have support from an educational grant hope to move to a dynamic and The Welsh Government’s public poor mobility, poor motivation, is provided by Camurus, which has not co-produced service specification to health perspective requires a much sending them on a train up to The influenced the content in any way.

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 11 EDUCATION

LEAVE THEM KIDS ALONE

Our kids deserve care and Treating school children like criminals is not understanding if and when they a sensible or constructive approach to drugs begin to explore things that can be dangerous – not sniffer dogs or education, says Andria Efthimiou-Mourdant searches. Whenever I was leaving the US from drug policy reform conferences, fellow reformers ive our kids accurate police station is not acceptable. would say to me, ‘Andria, tell your information about They have been through enough people not to look west for drug drugs, both pros this year. But what can we actually ‘With the Golden policy or education.’ How ashamed and cons, and let do, when the legislation allows do I now feel, watching the UK them make up their schools to carry on like this? Age of Harm slowly become the close cousin in ‘Gown minds about drugs.’ That was Here’s something to consider the drug war. Indeed, some parts the mantra re drugs education for – the children concerned are Reduction of the US are a lorryload more young people in the 1990s, right? already becoming defiant, angry progressive than we are now Here we are in 2020, and rebellious. ‘They should be at behind us and All I – and I think, all – child undergoing the most stressful that age,’ I hear you say. Rebellious a conservative carers want is for our kids to be time the UK has seen with a right and adventurous, yes. Furious and safe, happy and well. wing and apparently incompetent defiant has the danger of wrecking version of it My poor mum didn’t have a government, and the legislation is their time in school and, ultimately, clue what to do. She certainly did such that our children can now be their mental health. Indeed, one embedded in our not know drugs, though she did temporarily excluded for the mere of the girls is complaining of love me, and one day asked, ‘If I possession of tobacco, never mind ‘causeless’ anxiety. corporate drug give you 50p, will you get me one anything illegal. I dared to mention some services, kids are of those LSDs?’ Her way of saying What on earth has happened in of this in a meeting where a I accept you, no matter what. And these 27 years? With the Golden Age school governor was present and regularly being I truly believe that is why I am still of Harm Reduction behind us and a complained that the only thing the alive today, having survived heroin conservative version of it embedded teachers seem to care about is high searched at school.’ addiction and two viral strains in our corporate drug services, kids grades and results. Even the kids of hep. Ultimately, I knew I was are regularly being searched at are dangerously aware of that, so and ask them if they have thought cared for. school. In one London school – and their self-worth is diminished. about the impact of treating our The schools will say, ‘We need the legislation allows it – three If you’re still reading this, I’m children like mini criminals before to stamp it out before it spreads.’ 13-year-olds had their bags searched guessing you’re the parent, carer they even have a chance to learn. Unlike COVID-19, drug use is not recently. Indeed, they were taken or guardian of adolescents in the Thousands of young people explore transmissible, but it does thrive in out of their classes and marched UK, so let’s do something about some drugs and thankfully, the vast punishing environments. If you are to the deputy head who searched this. There must be something majority do not end up with drug a guardian, parent, and wish to get their property in front of them. They we can do to stop the relentless, problems. But if you are a vulnerable talking about how we educate and happen to be kids I know: smart soul-destroying drug war from child in these circumstances you care for our kids, please email me at lovable and cheeky ones destroying our own children. will turn increasingly to drugs as [email protected] Treating our children like you Hundreds of us could write to our you lose faith in the ‘trusted adults’ Andria Efthimiou-Mourdant is a

Photomontage: JellyPics Photomontage: would a suspected criminal at a MPs and local education authorities around you. health campaigner and activist

12 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM LETTERS AND COMMENT HAVE YOUR SAY Write to the editor and get it off your chest [email protected]

‘If COVID-19 has shown us one thing, it is that low threshold, evidence-based harm reduction interventions remain something we can still provide with a level of specialism’

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS LET’S LOOK AHEAD It was heart-warming to read the positive Reactions to the pandemic have opened statements from the leadership across our sector in response to the appalling latest ONS drug- doors for action on homelessness, heard the related death statistics as this year draws to a close (DDN, November, p18). What struck me about parliamentary group the individual responses was the same message entrenched throughout: the need for us to continue iven the situation with enabled them to work on other issues and to follow the evidence in doing as much as we COVID-19 it could be easy gradually build recovery capital. can, and continuing to provide easily accessible to forget the underlying With more than 100 services in the and low-threshold, evidence-based interventions picture of homelessness in UK based on Housing First principles and to a wide range of people – often with multiple the UK, Matt Downie, Crisis’s around 2,000 individuals accessing them, and unresolved traumas or social and economic Gdirector of policy and external affairs, told the initiative was central to achieving the disadvantages that more often than not carry the December Zoom meeting of the Drugs, government’s commitment to end rough incredible risk in how people are forced to live. Alcohol & Justice Cross-Party Parliamentary sleeping by 2024. Its success required a For a moment I could almost envision the Group. multi-agency approach to provide the full headlines of the next UK strategy leading with: Since 2010 there had been a steady range of support and this was emphasised Follow the evidence, change or abolish antiquated increase in people facing all types of by Tom Sackville and Craig Middleton from laws, level up and invest in treatment, while housing issues in England, with 300,000 WDP. A safe, secure place to live was a basic making sure we offer service users the equality of homelessness applications representing an tenet of the hierarchy of needs, without opportunities we would expect for ourselves and unprecedented demand on local authorities. which it was difficult to engage with drug our families. Street homelessness had benefited from treatment services. They called for increased If COVID-19 has shown us one thing, it is that being the focus of several initiatives which, outreach services that offered a full range low threshold, evidence-based harm reduction while they were very welcome, often hid of harm reduction provision, a change to interventions remain something we can still provide the problem through people moving into prison release practices and a drive to tackle with a level of specialism, unlike any other health or hostels and resorting to ‘sofa surfing’. the stigma faced by homeless people. social care provider – while still improving upon the There had been a number of temporary Alongside drug treatment, Humankind delivery as a collective with a mutual passion and measures during the pandemic including provided supported housing through several insight. This has been demonstrated this year in the a ban on evictions and the ‘Everybody In’ schemes including Red Bank in Manchester sector’s solidarity, flexibility and attitude. initiative, as well as small uplifts in funding and the Greens in Sheffield – abstinence- With services maintaining open access in the to local authority housing allowance and based environments where residents could majority of instances and new low-threshold universal credit. While helpful in England access services including one-to-one life skills, innovations such as NSP direct, it’s obvious that in the short-term, a joined-up solution was support, and group recovery sessions. Steve together we can do much more of the same in the needed to tackle the problem. New policies James of Humankind explained how they challenging year ahead with a refocus on harm in Scotland had almost eradicated rough encouraged residents to begin volunteering reduction approaches that have stood the test of sleeping and led to permanent closure of and move into peer mentoring positions; both time. night shelters in favour of a ‘housing-led’ schemes had around a 75 per cent success Peter Furlong, Change Grow Live NW harm approach. Scotland and Wales had seen the rate in moving clients out of homelessness reduction lead and development manager pandemic as an opportunity to change policy and addiction. Despite this, they faced and tackle the problem head on, said Downie. challenges through fluctuating levels of Jennie Corbett, policy manager at funding – directly from local authority grants, DDN welcomes all your comments. Please email Homeless Link, explained the principles and through housing benefit payments which the editor, [email protected], join any of behind Housing First. The holistic approach were linked to occupancy. the conversations on our Facebook page, or send supported people with complex needs, Mike Trace, chief executive of The letters to DDN, CJ Wellings Ltd, Romney House, usually involving issues around mental Forward Trust welcomed the government’s School Road, Ashford, Kent TN27 0LT. health and substance misuse and offered commitment to spending in this area but Longer comments and letters may be edited for accommodation, intensive support, and questioned where all the money was going space or clarity. harm reduction interventions – without and who was overseeing the spend. ‘If it is imposing conditions. Giving clients long- spent unstrategically, results will be poor /ddnmagazine @ddnmagazine term safe and stable accommodation and the opportunity lost,’ he said. DDN www.drinkanddrugsnews.com

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 13 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

Going viral 2020 will forever be remembered as the year COVID-19 transformed our lives. But one note of optimism was the way services immediately rose to the challenge of looking after their clients in extraordinarily difficult circumstances

JANUARY APRIL the harms it exists to reduce, or the and an ageing population – to Research by St Mungo’s finds that With the sector, and the country, means it might use to achieve that,’ reach a critical tipping point, warns at least 12,000 homeless people reeling from the impact of the states committee chair Meg Hillier. Change Grow Live chief executive went without much-needed drug pandemic, services scramble to Mark Moody. and alcohol treatment, but rough keep up with the relentless pace JULY sleepers would be facing more stark of developments. ‘We had a full NHS Tayside provides a rare challenges as the months went on. business continuity plan set up on glimpse of good news when it the afternoon the prime minister becomes the world’s first region to FEBRUARY did his first big announcement,’ effectively eliminate hep C, while The long-awaited first part of Humankind’s executive operations Northern Ireland announces a ‘full Professor Dame Carol Black’s drugs director Anna Headley tells DDN. consultation’ on whether it will review states that a prolonged ‘It was out of date within an hour.’ follow in the footsteps of Scotland shortage of treatment funding Alcohol Change UK finds that the and Wales by introducing MUP. has led to a loss of skills, expertise stress of lockdown means a fifth of and capacity, while a ‘much more daily drinkers are now consuming AUGUST violent’ illegal drugs market has even more. PHE becomes a COVID fall guy, ‘never caused greater harm’. with the government announcing MAY its abolition to make way for the MARCH With around 90 per cent of rough new National Institute for Health As COVID-19 hits hard, the sleepers housed in temporary Protection – but no detail on what government includes drug and accommodation, the Housing, will happen to its drugs and alcohol alcohol staff in its definition of Communities and Local Government remit. More than 80 organisations NOVEMBER key workers, while services move Committee urges the government immediately issue a statement The spectacularly divisive US to online models of delivery where not to miss the chance to end rough expressing their concern in the presidential election also sees a they can and DDN takes the sleeping for good. Meanwhile, BMJ. ‘Organisational change is ‘monumental victory’ for drug inevitable but painful decision Collective Voice’s Peter Keeling writes difficult and can be damaging at policy reform as Oregon votes in to postpone its annual service in DDN that while the sector’s swift the best of times,’ it says. ‘These favour of decriminalising personal user conference. adaptation to the COVID landscape are not the best of times.’ possession of all drugs, including has been hugely impressive it’s heroin and cocaine. A year on from vital that developments like remote SEPTEMBER the launch of Middlesbrough’s and digital delivery are seen as The Royal College of Psychiatrists heroin-assisted treatment pilot, a ‘welcome addition’ – not a warns that services are not clinical team lead Daniel Ahmed replacement. equipped to deal with the ‘soaring hails its ‘dramatic impact’, with numbers’ of people drinking at high 98 per cent attendance rates JUNE risk levels during the pandemic, among long-term participants and Two parliamentary reports within and calls for an urgent multi- offending levels slashed. a fortnight call for an overhaul million pound funding boost. of gambling regulation, with DECEMBER the House of Commons Public OCTOBER As the year comes to an end, Accounts Committee slamming the In what has become a grim annual and optimism about a vaccine is ‘weak and complacent’ oversight milestone, England and Wales once tempered by the reimposition of of the industry. ‘What has emerged again record their highest level of tough restrictions on much of the in evidence is a picture of a torpid, drug deaths at, 4,393. The pandemic UK, the sector – and the country – toothless regulator that doesn’t had now worsened a ‘perfect storm’ hopes that the worst might finally

seem terribly interested in either of factors – including disinvestment be over. DDN / Alamy James Boardman

14 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DRUG POLICY

Ray of light

Bill Nelles finds some cause for optimism at the end of a bleak year Mimomy / iStock Mimomy

m writing at the end of the disconcerting. Voter suppression crucially past the winning 270 votes most horrible year in our in some Republican-controlled in the Electoral College. Meanwhile, lives. It’s not just COVID states meant mail-in ballots could ‘The one really Ms Emily Murphy, administrator of that’s made it so bad but not be counted when they came the General Services Administration, the pathetic role of Trump in, but only on and after the day wonderful refuses to ‘ascertain’ the result and I’who has completely failed to give of the election. So the early results release funds for the transition to any lead and put partisan politics favoured Trump. He’d told his base election result President-elect Biden. before the nation’s health. not to trust voting by mail, because came from the However, the one really 2020 has been a year in which he had also nobbled that. wonderful election result came one of the few bright lights was the I went to bed about midnight State of Oregon... from the State of Oregon. States possibility of removing Trump from feeling dejected and appalled that often have propositions (mini his post and repairing the criminal so many Americans could still vote electors voted yes referendums) on their ballot to damage he has wrought to the Trump. But by the next morning, enable people to vote to determine political process. the big city and mail-in votes for on Measure 110 to controversial issues. This is how I am a deeply blue Democrat. In Democrats had gradually crept decriminalise the marijuana legalisation was achieved 1972, supporting George McGovern up, eventually taking Biden to in most US states. This year, Oregon against Nixon, I watched Watergate the winner’s post with the same possession of all electors voted yes on Measure 110 unfold and never forgot its lessons. number of electoral votes as Trump to decriminalise the possession However, Nixon was almost had gained in 2016. More than two drugs within their of all drugs within their state (see honourable compared to Trump. weeks have now passed but Trump news, page 4). The vote was 52 per The framers of the Constitution still won’t concede, telling his base state.’ cent to 48 per cent, (I know I’ve assumed a certain level of to reject the verdict as fraudulent heard that margin somewhere honourable conduct, not rampant and corrupt. allow the legislature in each state before!). This is a shining example narcissistic sociopathy. And then What is now being called the to ‘determine’ the electoral college of the positive side of US politics. Senate republicans did their work ‘clown coup’ is moving forward voters instead of the people’s voice. But there is some push back, and and forced his resignation rather as Trump and his surrogates have Not a scintilla of evidence exists, I’ll write more in my next column. than impeachment. Not so in 2019. abandoned using lower courts of course, that any fraud took place. In the meantime, have a safe and As results started to come in, it and instead try to use Republican All votes are counted and scrutinised careful holiday. was 4 am in the UK. Trump’s advice legislatures in key states to change by both parties and Biden is millions Bill Nelles is an advocate and to his supporters to vote in person the election results by casting of votes ahead in the popular vote activist, now in Canada. He founded was as impressive to see as it was enough doubt on the votes to (which means little in the US) but The (Methadone) Alliance in the UK

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 15 CAREERS

12-step meetings and peer support. cravings or felt that the detox was Would I recommend a career rushed. I also managed successful in this field? Absolutely! But be home detoxes, and I yearned to warned, it can be very challenging, work in a busy detox unit and and sometimes tragic. On the flip implement what I learnt in the I AM A... side it can be incredibly rewarding, community. Working at Brook Drive Two of the team from Brook Drive, humorous and energetic. My old has enabled me to do this. life was not all bad, even though The psychosocial and clinical the only third sector detox service in it nearly killed me. But I would not teams work together ‘hand change its best moments for the in glove’ to achieve the best London, tell us about their careers – worst I have today. outcomes, and our practices are and the challenges past and present Martin Holmes is service manager underpinned by robust policies and registered CQC manager and comprehensive medical input.

occupancy of 18 beds compliant with government guidelines. Residents are tested upon arrival and must self- ‘I intended to work isolate until the results are returned within 48 hours. Negative residents there for six months move to the upper floor and positive (none so far) residents would be but 15 years later I required to self-isolate throughout their stay on the ground floor. am still in this field.’ We provide 24-hour nursing care, overseen by our clinical lead and partner GP practice. Staff training, both in-house and ‘MY PAST IS MY Alongside our clinical team we ‘NO THEM external, enables the service to have a psychosocial team of deliver safe, effective care that is GREATEST ASSET’ recovery workers and volunteers. AND US’ pivotal to its clients’ recovery. At our 26-bed residential detox Our administration team ensures My first job in substance misuse Working here has been a steep service we offer medically assisted precise bed management and was back in 2005, when I was learning curve. The teamwork has detoxification from drugs and communication with referring desperate to leave shift work and been of paramount importance alcohol to clients nationwide. agencies to make sure admission grabbed the first nine to five job and the psychosocial input is I’ve worked in the field of drug dates are offered as soon as I was offered. I intended to work enhanced by clinical team input. and alcohol treatment for the possible, while our housekeeping there for six months but 15 years The recovery team are part of last 11 years, both nationally and team keep Brook Drive clean and later I am still in this field. the admissions process and internationally, and am very grateful sanitised around the clock and our Before Brook Drive, I worked in are trained to carry out vital for the opportunities that have chef provides excellent healthy community services, prison and observations working closely with come my way. Before this I worked food options catering for individual detox/rehab. As an independent the clinical team. At Brook Drive for Ford building and supplying needs and detox regimes. nurse prescriber, I worked with there is no ‘them and us’, but the world with diesel engines. Brook Drive has a wonderful clients who were desperate for ‘we’ – and we’ll continue working Alongside, I was a part time criminal family feel thanks to the very close inpatient detox, but many relapsed towards excellence. and full-time drug addict. Needless working relationships of our multi- following discharge. Several told Muriel Gutu is group clinical to say, neither of these other careers disciplinary team of professionals. me that they left still having lead of the Social Interest Group ended well and it took a near death They share the same vision: the best experience to bring me back from possible outcomes for each resident. OUR ‘I AM A…’ CAREERS SERIES aims to share the brink. I am humbled that my We also try to involve families as past has become my greatest asset part of treatments as we are aware knowledge and experience of different careers in the in helping others to freedom. that the residents’ recovery capital sector. You can take part through the ‘get in touch’ button As a result of the pandemic, is healthier when the family is on our website: www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/i-am-a/ we can only operate a maximum involved. We also facilitate online

16 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM EXCHANGE

work with and get to know my local GRT community,’ added Rachel Clements, a specialist BUILDING TRUST family worker at EDP. ‘It has given me the opportunity to build an understanding of how life is for A previously isolated gypsy community people and the daily challenges they face. It’s taken weeks to has been receiving much-needed specialist build relationships – however this has grown over time and I feel support from EDP, reports Kerrie Clifford confident the community will contact REACH EDP if ongoing substitution therapy was being support is needed in the future.’ provided alongside on-site advice on The support enabled people to drug and alcohol issues through the speak openly about their lives and REACH programme – a partnership struggles, and following expressions between EDP, Avon and Wiltshire of concern about the upcoming Mental Health Partnership Trust and winter EDP sourced donations of Essential Drug and Alcohol Services winter clothing and engaged a (EDAS). The Hepatitis C Trust also community member onto an online attended the site to allow residents university course. While EDP has to access free BBV testing. links with the traveller community ‘It can prove extremely difficult dating back more than ten years, to engage with the gypsy, Roma during the peak of the pandemic the and traveller (GRT) community, so charity also arranged for workers

Auaumon | Dreamstime.com Auaumon we have been especially delighted in the area to deliver medication to to have won the trust of the the sites, which helped cement the pecialist family workers improve the wellbeing of those community,’ said Beth Davies, trust between site residents and at South-West based residents most in need, as well head of service and development EDP staff. charity EDP have as provide advice and support on at EDP. ‘By delivering the REACH Kerrie Clifford is marketing & completed a 12-week alcohol and drug use. Wellbeing programme, we have been able communication manager at EDP programme aimed at packs containing nutritious food as to provide much needed support Drug & Alcohol Services. Simproving health and wellbeing at well as sanitary items were delivered to people who can sometimes be For more information on Dorset isolated gypsy sites in rural Dorset. three times a week, and within six forgotten by society.” REACH service call 0800 043 4656 or The workers wanted to help weeks of the project starting opioid ‘It has been a privilege to visit www.edp.org.uk

unspoilt places to try to banish dark thoughts. She identifies an incredible array of wildflowers with wonderful DEAR DIARY names including among her favourites water avens and fairy flax. Mark Reid is moved by Emma Mitchell’s They grow in meadows which have testimony to the healing power of nature never been subjected to fertilisers, escaping intensive farming which has made so much land ‘a factory’. ‘I PUNCH MY WAY FROM BENEATH heads home and tells her husband Hawthorn also earns a special IT AMONG TREES, BIRDS AND how unwell she is. accolade for the intoxicating scent of PLANTS’ is how Emma Mitchell Improved mood is very slow in its exquisite blossom and the claret describes part of her battle with coming. By late April Emma is in colour of its berries. Emma says that clinical depression. Her diary is a the garden more as the weather Hawthorn is soothing nearly all year inside her mind, from October warms up. She responds to every year round and she feels ‘intensely to September – down to suicidal sign of spring. The release of pain grateful towards this tree’. ideation and up to moments of merges into relief and joy, especially Emma follows the latest science exhilaration in nature. when Emma is lucky enough to hear to verify nature as a key supplement Suffering from seasonal affective nightingales in May. In their lovely to her medication. Plants produce disorder (SAD), by January ‘it song there is ‘intense emotion that protective chemicals which we becomes difficult to move’ at all. is almost unbearable’. She suddenly breathe in, and soil bacteria By March Emma has thoughts of sees her depression clearly for what trigger serotonin in our brains. taking her own life and begins to act it is and, unusually, gives herself Depression can mean, above all, ‘an on them. ‘I drive to the A11. There credit for fighting it with all she has, The Wild Remedy: How overpowering self-hatred’. Yet in are bridges there’. Then in a supreme to ‘just about wriggle free. I let the Nature Mends Us – A Diary this diary Emma Mitchell achieves instance of the nature remedy she tears come’. its direct opposite: a liberating sees saplings growing at the side of Making up for lost time, in by Emma Mitchell. self-expression in celebration of the the road: ‘trees, green, relief’. Emma the lightest months Emma seeks Pub: Michael O’Mara Books. beauty of nature.

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 17 RESIDENTIAL

had a lot of creative community members who write their own material so it’s an opportunity for FESTIVE PHOENIX them to showcase their talent. Often community members will write about their life before they Phoenix Futures will be going all out to came in and the process of change they are going through at Phoenix. make this Christmas a special one for It can be very powerful and moving, residents, says Dave Potts as well as being a fun event.’ SHEFFIELD DECK THE HALLS ooking back over a year so Eve. ‘We wanted to do something Throughout December the profoundly characterised special after the year we’ve all had,’ Sheffield Residential are planning by its unpredictability said head of house Helen Brewin. ‘Our staff and a number of events for their I find it heartening to ‘Care Homes across the country community members to help reflect on the unwavering have stayed open and worked community make the service look and feel like Lcommitment of the dedicated tirelessly to keep the people with Christmas. Creative groups will teams in our residential rehabs them safe this year, so we thought members are be used for making Christmas across the country. Despite the it would be a nice surprise to make serving up a cards for loved ones, designing challenges we’ve all faced this year, them smile. We wanted to say thank decorations for the house and, of I am proud that we’ve remained you in our inimitable Phoenix way delectable host course, decorating the tree. a constant, reassuring and positive and remind them that Christmas Members with a culinary flair presence for those who needed is still a time for people to be of reasons to be will also be taking to the kitchen our help. As well as looking back cheerful and come together – at an to bake mince pies, gingerbread over the tremendous work done in appropriate distance of course!’ cheerful.’ and other festive favourites. our residentials this year, I’ve also On Christmas day there will been catching up with our teams A VIRTUAL FAMILY CELEBRATION families coming together to make be presents to unwrap and a to find out what they are looking Each year the children at the one big family where everyone traditional dinner for everyone forward to. The festive season is National Specialist Family Service celebrates, cooks, eats and shares staying with us this holiday season. approaching and our staff and help design the Phoenix Futures special moments with each other.’ ‘I’m definitely safer being at community members are serving Christmas card, and this year’s Phoenix Futures as my family are up a delectable host of reasons to design was ‘inspired by the babies GLASGOW’S GOT TALENT heavy drinkers, and I would have be cheerful. we have placed with us’, said senior Our Scottish Residential Service had to make a difficult decision childcare worker Chloe Axelby. are planning an unforgettable not be with them and to isolate on BRINGING FESTIVE CHEER TO OUR ‘We wanted them to be a part of experience for their community my own,’ said Sophie, a resident NEIGHBOURS ON THE WIRRAL the Christmas card so we thought members this December – a music at our Wirral Residential. ‘Instead The Wirral Residential Service have why not use their tiny hands and event, with performances from I’m with my Phoenix family where been warming up their vocal chords feet to make a beautiful picture. staff and residents throughout I feel supported and happy. For in preparation for Christmas this The parents painted their toes the evening. Leading on these many years I have spent Christmas year. Their choir, made up of staff which was a lovely experience. It celebrations is therapeutic team on my own, and I am really looking and service users, will be bringing made the children giggle and we member, Paul McGoldrick. ‘Usually, forward to having lots of fun and the festive cheer to their neighbours had lots of fun. The best way I can residents work together to learn people around me where I am safe.’ at a local care home by singing describe Christmas at Phoenix songs and perform them for the Dave Potts is head of operations carols in their garden on Christmas Family Service is lots of individual community. In recent years we have at Phoenix Futures

18 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM COMMENT

Sophie Fox provides a Christmas wish list for supporting someone I WISH… with an alcohol dependency and co-existing mental health issues

As Christmas approaches Could health and support services Remember to take the time to just Don’t forget to celebrate your I found myself thinking about a talk to each other more? It’s no listen. It’s easy to focus on what achievements as a family or different sort of wish list, based wonder that people in need of you think a person ‘should’ be friendship group and your on my experience of supporting services are reluctant to access doing instead of listening to how appreciation of each other as someone I’m very close to through them when they’re asked to they’re feeling. individuals. Our loved ones are so their alcohol and mental health complete multiple assessments much more than just the problems treatment journey. with different agencies, telling often Remember that you are not alone. they face. Whilst it’s important to traumatic stories again and again. It can feel very lonely caring for help them with their issues, it’s also Can we have clear guidance and someone experiencing significant important to celebrate what makes lines of responsibility for those Could we have more support issues which you have limited them wonderful at the same time. who experience co-existing available for family and friends? control over. But there are an Remember that above all else, mental health and alcohol issues, There are pockets of fantastic work estimated 5m families and friends you are a strong family (whether regardless of whether they’ve been taking place, but no ringfenced affected by the substance misuse biological or social) that has shared given an official dual diagnosis? funding. Write to your MP using of a loved one in this country alone. so many positive experiences and The reality for many people is that Adfam’s letter template: adfam.org. memories, as well as getting each they need to get worse before they uk/influencing-for-change/write- Try to recognise what you are able other through the tough times. get better to meet the threshold for to-mp to influence and what you can’t. the specialist support they need, It’s important to remember that we Sophie Fox is director of business and are ‘ping-ponged’ from pillar And for people affected by someone can’t always fix everything, and nor development and innovation, to post. else’s alcohol use: should we. Humankind

Over 50s Alcohol Helpline A free, national helpline running 7 days yʼn⏏¬ĝʼnÅȺᡋ¡µœʼn†ºµĂ‹µÒ¡y®ʼny‹á¡†ĝʼn information and support to anyone aged over 50 who may be worried about their drinking, or anyone worried about a loved one over 50.

Call 0808 8010750 or visit wearewithyou.org.uk for more information.

WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 19 Is your organisation Passmores working to tackle blood borne viruses? House Passmores House is a recovery community for people Our toolkit can help. aged 18 years and over who are dependent on drugs or alcohol. Coronavirus has changed our approach to blood borne virus (BBV) testing and treatment. We’ve put together a Easily accessible by car and public transport, the facility toolkit to help make sure everyone gets the testing and combines tranquil surroundings with expert clinical care. treatment they deserve. );ruoˆb7;bmr-ঞ;m|7;|oŠbC1-ঞom-m7u;vb7;mঞ-Ѵ In the toolkit you’ll find guidance and resources to help your services prioritise and carry out testing safely and u;_-0bѴb|-ঞomruo]u-ll;v=ou-ѴѴ1olrѴ;Šb|‹Ѵ;ˆ;Ѵvĺ effectively in these challenging times.

It’s free and available for anyone to download, just visit www.changegrowlive.org/bbv to explore the toolkit for yourself. WHAT WE OFFER Your own space Well-appointed 17 single en-suite rooms and 6 single rooms ‰b|_v_-u;70-|_uool=-1bѴbঞ;v Grade II listed building buv|Ŋ1Ѵ-vv=-1bѴbঞ;v-m7v†r;u0v†uuo†m7bm]v Specialist support ƑƓņƕm†uvbm]1-u;-m7-11;vv|o-omv†Ѵ|-m|77b1ঞomvv‹1_b-|ubv| Passmores House has not Specialist programmes only saved my life, but One-to-one support, counselling and group programmes “ also given it back to me. Life skills development Healthy cooking and money management ” Complementary therapies 1†r†m1|†u;ķr;uvom-ѴC|m;vvķ‹o]--m7-u| †|ubঞo†vl;-Ѵv "r-1bo†vhb|1_;m=-1bѴbঞ;v-m71_;= !;bm|;]u-ঞom "†rrou|-uo†m7;7†1-ঞomķ|u-bmbm]-m7;lrѴo‹l;m|ķu;vb7;m| ;Š1†uvbomv-m7-1ঞˆbঞ;v

Passmores House, Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6YL Telephone: 01278 634 200 Email: [email protected] CQC overall rating Website: www.privatedetoxandrehab.org.uk GOOD 18 March 2019 Change Grow Live Registered Office: 3rd Floor, Tower Point, 44 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YR. Registered Charity Number 1079327 (England and Wales) and SC039861 (Scotland). Company Registration Number 3861209 (England and Wales). -vvlou;vo†v;_-vuo0†v|bm=;1ঞom1om|uoѴ-m7vo1b-Ѵ7bv|-m1bm]l;-v†u;vbmrѴ-1;|oh;;ro†uu;vb7;m|v-m7 v|-@-vv-=;-vrovvb0Ѵ;=uol( ŊƐƖĺom|-1|†v|oCm7o†|lou;ĺ Passmores House Passmores House is a recovery community for people aged 18 years and over who are dependent on drugs or alcohol. Easily accessible by car and public transport, the facility combines tranquil surroundings with expert clinical care. );ruoˆb7;bmr-ঞ;m|7;|oŠbC1-ঞom-m7u;vb7;mঞ-Ѵ u;_-0bѴb|-ঞomruo]u-ll;v=ou-ѴѴ1olrѴ;Šb|‹Ѵ;ˆ;Ѵvĺ

WHAT WE OFFER Your own space Well-appointed 17 single en-suite rooms and 6 single rooms ‰b|_v_-u;70-|_uool=-1bѴbঞ;v Grade II listed building buv|Ŋ1Ѵ-vv=-1bѴbঞ;v-m7v†r;u0v†uuo†m7bm]v Specialist support ƑƓņƕm†uvbm]1-u;-m7-11;vv|o-omv†Ѵ|-m|77b1ঞomvv‹1_b-|ubv| Passmores House has not Specialist programmes only saved my life, but One-to-one support, counselling and group programmes “ also given it back to me. Life skills development Healthy cooking and money management ” Complementary therapies 1†r†m1|†u;ķr;uvom-ѴC|m;vvķ‹o]--m7-u| †|ubঞo†vl;-Ѵv "r-1bo†vhb|1_;m=-1bѴbঞ;v-m71_;= !;bm|;]u-ঞom "†rrou|-uo†m7;7†1-ঞomķ|u-bmbm]-m7;lrѴo‹l;m|ķu;vb7;m| ;Š1†uvbomv-m7-1ঞˆbঞ;v

Passmores House, Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6YL Telephone: 01278 634 200 Email: [email protected] CQC overall rating Website: www.privatedetoxandrehab.org.uk GOOD 18 March 2019 -vvlou;vo†v;_-vuo0†v|bm=;1ঞom1om|uoѴ-m7vo1b-Ѵ7bv|-m1bm]l;-v†u;vbmrѴ-1;|oh;;ro†uu;vb7;m|v-m7 v|-@-vv-=;-vrovvb0Ѵ;=uol( ŊƐƖĺom|-1|†v|oCm7o†|lou;ĺ To advertise in DDN contact [email protected]

RECOVERY WORKERS REQUIRED

As the lead supplier for interim staffing for Change Grow Live (CGL), Hays Social Care specialise in the supply of high quality recovery workers to substance misuse service providers in London and the Southeast.

With the largest network of offices throughout London and the Southeast, We also specialise in the supply to the following: our dedicated social care team recruit for various jobs including: • Recovery Workers • Family Safe Guarding Specialists • Adults and young people • DIP Management • Dual Diagnosis Workers • Team Leaders • Tier 1–4 Services • Commissioning • Alcohol Liaison Officers • Service Managers • Prescribing • Service Level Agreements • Criminal Justice Practitioners • Nurses • Needle Exchange for cost effective solutions • Hostel Workers • Harm Minimisation

All candidates will meet with a specialist consultant face-to-face for You will have extensive experience working within a substance registration (currently online owing to COVID-19), and all registered misuse service. Testimonials are available for work within the candidates will hold a Hays processed Enhanced DBS which we Substance Misuse Services across the UK. process free of charge or candidates will be signed up-to the Online DBS portal service.

For more information, contact Daniel Essery on 07841 097188 or email [email protected] hays.co.uk/social-care

Are you interested in changing people’s lives and supporting lasting recovery? Are you in recovery yourself with lived experience? We are interested to hear from people who want to make a difference to people’s lives, people who may or may not have lived experience in recovery, or as a family member of someone in recovery.

We are currently recruiting for: We offer: – Psychotherapists – Competitive salary – Drug and Alcohol Practitioners – Simplyhealth cover MORE JOBS – Team Leaders – Childcare vouchers – Recovery workers – Therapy allowance – Substance Misuse Nurses – Career development ONLINE NOW – Apprentices & Volunteers – Up to 30 days annual leave www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/jobs View our current vacancies at Contact [email protected] www.forwardtrust.org.uk/work-for-us/ to advertise your next vacancy

22 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 WWW.DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS.COM To advertise in DDN contact [email protected]

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER DrugFAM • Remote Working • £23,000 – £27,000pa Play a key role in providing emotional support to families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s drug, alcohol or gambling misuse; including those bereaved by addiction.

More details at Be a different www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/jobs kind of Nurse, be a Delphi Nurse

PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTIONS (PSI) WORKERS Norwich l £22,937 – £24,472 p.a. Emerging Futures are recruiting two full time Psychosocial Intervention (PSI) Workers. These new roles have been created to support a new initiative in Norwich. ‘Project ADDER’ PSI workers will work in close partnership with Change, Grow, Live, criminal justice agencies, health providers and Norfolk Constabulary. @DelphiMedical To view our vacancies visit: Full details at DelphiMedical www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/jobs delphi-medical delphimedical.co.uk Thank You for your support throughout 2020! PASSIONATE PEER LEADS WANTED The Hepatitis C Trust is expanding its network of peer workers across the country and will be looking to recruit up to 20 new staff to join its team before the end of the year. As the UK’s charity for hepatitis C patients, and a leading player in national efforts to eliminate the virus, The Hepatitis C Trust has proven the role of peers in engaging those who meet the most challenges in accessing services. The Hepatitis C Trust will be seeking passionate and skilled peer leads with excellent communication, engagement, and organisational skills to be part of a history making journey to eliminate the virus. Experience of working within drug services and with volunteers, having been affected by hepatitis C or having supported someone who has hepatitis C are all desirable if you feel that you or someone you know may be interested. DDN will be hosting a series of job adverts with details of how to apply over the coming months so please look out Have a happy and safe for an opportunity in your area. Christmas and New Year. www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/jobs All at Turning Point Smithfield In-Patient Detox

Has Covid pushed you over the line If you are in need of a break and help with your alcohol use, we can look after you. We offer 7-day stays at our Smithfield Detox service in Manchester. All our services in the local area are integrated, including Rehab Residential Stay and Supported Living, so you can get any further help you need.

Book your stay now on 0161 827 8570 or [email protected] Visit our website at mytp.me/detox