New drug and alcohol recovery service for Knowsley

2013-07-15 News

This month sees the arrival of the new Knowsley Drug and Alcohol Integrated Recovery Service, operated by CRI and commissioned by Knowsley Council. The service provides rapid and open access to drug and alcohol users.

CRI, a national social care and health charity, will provide the service across Knowsley, including Huyton, Kirkby, Halewood, Prescot and Whiston. Already offering similar services across England and Wales, including in Cheshire and Merseyside, the charity offers assessment, treatment and support for people with drug or alcohol issues, promoting recovery from addiction and dependence. CRI works to create links with the surrounding community and finds opportunities to help people into work, training and education, where appropriate.

Peter Furlong, implementation manager for CRI Knowsley said: “CRI has been providing some of the country’s highest performing recovery services and has made real recovery possible for problematic drug and alcohol users. Previous and present service users assist in delivering interventions, many of whom have moved into paid employment within the services. This will be the same for Knowsley with a service user led focus at the forefront for Knowsley residents seeking support.”                                          

Sue Shaw, deputy director for CRI said: “This change in service provision will offer greater opportunities for recovery, with easier access and holistic care. Those already in treatment will receive continued support. We will ensure that this support is uninterrupted and improved. We would also urge people who need any form of help, support or advice to get in touch.”  

All enquires can be directed to the dedicated Knowsley number on 0845 873 4462.

Matthew Ashton, acting director of public health for Knowsley added: “We are excited about the changes this new service will bring for people of Knowsley, and looking forward to working closely with CRI to improve outcomes for our residents.”

Knowsley covers a diverse area and CRI is pleased to announce that the first recovery hub has opened in Huyton, with another planned for Kirkby town centre. Activities offered include service user training in a wide range of: life skills, sports, social activities, readiness for volunteering and training, and accredited learning peer mentoring, breakfast clubs, the Recovery Café, therapeutic group work and workshops, organised walks in the countryside and parenting groups. CRI is also working to form partnerships with children’s centres, community groups and young people’s services to ensure access to services in places such as Halewood, Whiston and Prescot through delivering regular satellite services.

Interim services are being delivered from the new St Chads building in Kirkby in co-operation with 5 Boroughs partnership, whilst plans are underway to renovate the Old St Chad’s building to be launched in the autumn as the Kirkby Recovery Hub, delivering comparable services to Huyton.

The new treatment and recovery hub in Huyton is based at: 11-14 Wilson Road, Chapel Brook Trade Park, Huyton, L36 6FH.

Anyone who wants to know more, would like to access the service or is worried about a friend or family member and their drug or alcohol use can contact us on 0845 873 4462. CRI Knowsley is also interested to hear from those interested in forming partnerships to broaden our reach into the community.

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