7 July 2010
NHSG/100/10
New drug and alcohol services launched in Aberdeenshire
Media release sent on behalf of Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership
Two new services aimed at supporting people as they deal with drug and alcohol related issues have opened in Aberdeenshire.
Community Alcohol Service Aberdeenshire (CASA) provides brief intervention support for people drinking above safe limits and also ongoing counselling for people who have an alcohol dependency. Working alongside the alcohol case workers, CASA also provide volunteer buddies to help people recover from alcohol dependency. The volunteers are recruited from local communities and help reintegrate people who may feel isolated as a result of their alcohol problem. CASA is looking to recruit volunteers now.
Compass offers support to children and young people affected by parental alcohol and other drug use. The goal of Compass is to ensure that children and young people are provided with support to make sure their health and wellbeing and their own future is not badly affected by their parents alcohol and other drug use.
Both services will be delivered across Aberdeenshire as part of the Drugs Action range of services and funded by Aberdeenshire Council.
Colin Mackenzie, the Convenor of Aberdeenshire's Alcohol and Drug Partnership and Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council said "I am delighted to see these services up and running. The outcomes that CASA and Compass are delivering are hugely important for our citizens in difficulty and our wider community. I wish Drugs Action, their staff and volunteers every success in their new roles and thank them for the inspirational work they do in offering people in difficulty the real prospect for hope, recovery and a brighter future."
Senga MacDonald, General Manager at Drugs Action said "We hope these services will make a real difference in the lives of people throughout Aberdeenshire. We would also encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer with CASA to get in touch with us."
Dr Elilidh Whiteford, the MP for Banff and Buchan will formally open the services on Friday 9th July at 12 o'clock at Fraserburgh Business Centre, South Harbour Road, Fraserburgh AB43 9TN. You are invited to send a reporter/photographer.
ENDS
If anyone is interested in finding about volunteering with the service or to make a referral to the service, please call: 0845 475 2272
Journalists requiring further information are asked to contact Luan Grugeon, Depute Manager, Drugs Action on 01224 577120