MAKING A DIFFERENCE DURING NATIONAL TACKLING DRUGS WEEK

Issued: 19th May 2008

BADAS is delighted to be able to publicise and promote National Tackling Drugs Week on 19th -23rd May 2008. BADAS is a local charity that has been working with Drug Users and their families for over twenty years and seeks to reduce the harm and risk associated with using drugs by offering support, information and advice.

The services are run throughout Wiltshire and Bath and North East Somerset in over 15 different venues that are discreet and aim to make access into services as simple as possible. BADAS’s services include individual support, groups, work with families and carers, a day centre, needle and syringe exchanges and disposal, and support for those receiving substitute medication from local doctors.

BADAS is an active member of the Community Safety and Drugs Partnership. This is a partnership between treatment providers, local authorities, police, health and probation which addresses individuals’ needs as well as striving to protect the community from harm.

Deputy Chief Constable Tony Melville of the Association of Chief Police Officers is leading on this initiative. He said:
“The publication of the Government’s Drug Strategy 2008 was an opportunity to put fresh energy behind what is an important issue for all our communities. Whilst we welcome the support of those agencies involved with drugs education and treatment, those of us responsible for law enforcement recognise the need to take a firm stance against those involved in criminal activity involving illicit drugs.”

Judith Edwards, Chief Executive of BADAS stated:
“We are delighted to be able to promote, celebrate and publicise National Drugs Week, and be able to inform the public about the work we do.  People have always taken mind-altering substances and it is unrealistic to think that society can completely eradicate this.  As an agency we strive to reduce the harm that this behaviour does to the individual and to the community.  Whilst we encourage people to consider abstinence we also work with people who are actively using drugs and alcohol and motivate them to make changes in their behaviour, attitudes and lifestyle where this is causing harm to themselves and others.”

The people who are directly affected by drugs and alcohol have expressed their appreciation for the excellent services provided.  Claire, a service user said:
 “It’s so good to talk to someone who understands, listens and gives good advice”

Recently a service user who was also suffering from a mental illness arrived at one of the drop in sessions. He was in such a crisis that he was seriously contemplating suicide. The BADAS staff were able to listen, calm him down and give him the necessary immediate help and support to enable him to accept and believe that his life was still worth living.

Drugs and alcohol cost the community millions of pounds each year and it is estimated that £1 spent on treatment saves at least £9.50 in crime and health costs. Most people know of the impact of drug-related crime and 38% of prisoners are drug users. BADAS offers a cost-effective and quality service to the individual, their families and to the community as a whole.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:
“National Tackling Drugs Week is about highlighting the vital work that goes on everyday across the country to cut drug use.  I want to congratulate those who go the extra mile to help thwart drugs supply and encourage young people to stay away from drugs.”

Anyone interested in learning more about BADAS, making a donation or becoming a trustee or volunteer should contact Vanessa Collier on 01225 469479.

NEW SUPPORT ON OFFER TO FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AFFECTED
BY DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Issued: 2nd May 2008

Bath Area Drugs Advisory Service (BADAS), the local drugs and alcohol charity based in Bath and providing services and support across the whole Bath & North East Somerset area is delighted to announce that it is now able to offer group work for families, their friends and carers who are affected by someone else’s drug and alcohol issues.

BADAS, with support from the Community Safety Drugs Partnership (CSDP) carried out a number of consultations around the area and which were attended by partners, parents and friends of drug and alcohol users. These consultations have helped to shape how the groups will be run.

Judith Edwards, Chief Executive of BADAS said:
“There is undoubtedly a need for such a service in the area as we estimate that one problematic drug user will impact on at least 3 family members, and that equals at least 2,700 to 3,200 family members currently affected by someone else’s drug use, not including drinking.  Effects on the family could include isolation, depression and fear of bereavement. Many families find it difficult to cope practically and financially if the drug user is absent, perhaps in prison. Problem dug use or drinking can have a severe impact on children and is associated with domestic violence”

One to one and telephone support have long been available via BADAS and the “Families Together” group will start in Bath on the 11th June. The group aims to be both informative and supportive and is based on other successful groups and the consultations. The groups are free, confidential and some support around childcare is available.

Richard Popp, Area Manager of BADAS said:
“Moving recently from drug services in London to the Bath area I am surprised by the extent to which families are involved in peoples drug use and treatment in the area. We hope that this group will enable families and friends to learn new skills and focus on their own needs as well as those of the drug user or drinker.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the family service and the dates and times of the sessions should contact Una Gordon or Dawn Burton on 01225 469479

Anyone wishing to make a donation to BADAS, to become a volunteer or a Trustee please contact Vanessa Collier, New Business Manager on 01225 469479 or email vanessa.collier@badaservices.org.uk