New proposals seek to put families at heart of Shropshire’s addiction services
The heartfelt views of Shropshire families who are supporting alcohol-dependent loved ones are ‘being heard and understood’ by the decision-makers, say campaigners.
A roundtable discussion event held this week by Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley and the ‘Share’ alcohol education charity concluded that there was, from service commissioners at Shropshire Council, a willingness to consider ideas being put forward to enhance provision locally.
Among campaigners’ suggestions is a principal proposal which requires drug and alcohol services to include a key family member as part of the team supporting sufferers into recovery.
Campaigner Jane Mackenzie – whose daughter Amy died at the age of 37 after battling alcohol addiction for many years – has said “families in Shropshire are crying out for change”.
Jane, a former mayor of Shrewsbury, is the founder of the charity Share Shrewsbury.
Following the roundtable event, she said: “On behalf of Share Shrewsbury, we’d like to thank Shropshire Council for listening to the heartfelt views of families who are supporting alcohol dependent loved ones. It shows a willingness to consider our proposal, which requires drug and alcohol services to include a key family member as part of the team supporting sufferers into recovery.
“Best practise from around the UK consistently flags up family involvement in recovery as the most significant factor in improving recovery chances, so it makes sense to write this into the new contract. We also would like to thank the families who have shared their experiences and have allowed drug and alcohol commissioners valuable and often painful insight into their daily struggles.
“It is clear that the focus should remain on the early prevention of alcohol harm, especially to delay the age at which young people start drinking. Overwhelming evidence shows that the teenage brain is especially vulnerable to alcohol damage, so our schools programme is an important way in which we can stop alcohol harm before it becomes entrenched. We hope that we can continue to collaborate with Shropshire Council to ensure the best outcomes for everyone affected by dependent drinking.”
Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley said: “It is important and reassuring that the views of these families are being heard and understood by the decision-makers when it comes to service provision."
