Council scheme sees increase in recovery for drug and alcohol users

The Cheshire East substance misuse service is commissioned by the council and delivered by the charity, Change Grow Live (CGL).  The aim is to deliver a high-quality, effective, safe and integrated drug and alcohol service, with emphasis on early intervention and prevention for young people and adults.  

The service also aims to help people achieve and maintain recovery, improve their life chances, and improve their health and wellbeing.
A report presented to the health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee this week reviewed the contract with CGL, which went live in November 2018.  

During year one of the contract, CGL supported:

• 643 adults in structured treatments; 
• 170 adults in non structured treatments;
• 60 young people in structured treatments; 
• 114 in non structured treatments.

Overall, there were also 5,980 adult and 618 young people appointments with key workers which were delivered in a number of ways and venues across the borough to meet the individual needs of those affected. 

The service offers a range of opportunities, including workshops, structured groups and one-to-one key-working sessions. The recovery teams are based across Cheshire East and include doctors, recovery coordinators, nurses, recovery champions and volunteers.  Appointments take place in various locations, providing a flexible service that is easier for residents to access.

CGL worked alongside specialist coaching organisation Emerging Futures, to provide volunteering opportunities to those experiencing drug and alcohol addiction. 

During the first year of the contract, 58 volunteers provided peer support - clocking up around 3,000 hours.  CGL also continues to raise the profile of the service with young people, attending events, schools and youth organisations across the borough.

A volunteer for the service said:  “Without CGL, I would not be here, six months ago I was a mess and drunk all the time.  I’m sober and working on my recovery - I have a future.”

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said:  “Our ambition, together with our partners across health and the community, voluntary and faith sector, is that all children and adults live well, for longer, independently and enjoying the place where they live.

“We know the wider impact of substance misuse on families and children is immense, including being a key reason for domestic violence and marital breakdown, as well as having long-term physical and psychological effects on children and young people.

“I welcome this report, which has demonstrated that by working with our community and with the young people and adults who are affected by substance misuse, we really can make a difference."

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, chair of the Cheshire East Council health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee, said:   “We welcome this report and applaud the approach that CGL and Emerging Futures have taken in tackling substance misuse across Cheshire East.   Our aim is to take action to prevent drug and alcohol addiction and to support those who are recovering.

“The services have shown, through their work, that peer support is a key factor in maintaining a successful recovery and that the work of the volunteer mentors has also had an impact. 

“I’d like to recognise the efforts, so far, in targeting young people and encourage more schools to get involved, linking in with work around our emotionally healthy child programme.”

If you would like to refer yourself, or someone you know to the service, you can call, email or visit the service at:
Bradshaw House, 45 Cumberland Street, Macclesfield, SK10 1BY.  Telephone:  01625 464995  or 15 Delamere Street, Crewe, CW1 2HR. Telephone: 01270 656301

The service can also be contacted via email at eastcheshire.info@cgl.org.uk