Archive - Friday, 26 October 2001


Find by date

Other ways to search

Also look for

Never miss anything again. Sign up for our RSS news feeds and Newsletters.

Addicts get aid to kick the habit

A NEW scheme in the fight to cut drug and alcohol abuse in Penarth has been launched.

It includes a needle exchange system and improved advice services for people trying to kick their habit.

The Newland alcohol and drug service involves the Vale Council through its Vale Alcohol and Drug Team and Cardiff and Vale NHS Trusts Community Addiction Unit.

Officially opened by Vale Council chairman Cllr Maurice Nugent, supported by Trust Chief Executive David Edwards, Newland, is committed to maintaining client confidentiality and provides a range of related services under one roof.

Users are already noticing how much easier it is to access services. Cllr Nugent told the News: Many people are making great changes in their lives, with huge benefits to the individual, their families and their communities.

The Vale Alcohol and Drug Team provides counselling in a supportive environment for individuals with alcohol and/ or drug related difficulties, and offers support to family and friends concerned about someone elses problems.

Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust Community Addiction Service head Dr Andrew McBride said: Patients with drug or alcohol problems very often benefit from support from a variety of sources in the community.

This initiative brings together doctors, nurses, therapists, psychologists, social workers and other specialists to support people in their own community.

Patients in the Vale of Glamorgan should find it easier to access services.

Options

Offering individual assessments of need through the Community Care Service is a specialist social work service helping individuals to explore options in addressing their alcohol and/or drug use, and, where appropriate, to set up community based domiciliary and residential care packages.

The Community Addiction Unit offers a variety of treatment and therapy services and, following assessments, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare options are discussed and agreed.

A drop-in needle exchange service also offers advice and support. For further information, or to make an appointment, please ring 01446 700943 between 9am and 5pm.