A drug and alcohol treatment recovery service is hosting an online Christmas event to give people in Salford a boost.
The event organised by Achieve BBST on Thursday will include a pudding mix prize draw, yuletide talent and festive family fortunes.
Achieve is the community drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service in Bury, Bolton, Salford and Trafford and is rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.
In addition to traditional medical and psycho-social treatment, they also provide support to family and carers, help with housing, education and volunteering.
They work with many statutory and voluntary services to improve health and social outcomes, allowing people to make meaningful recovery from the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.
Sarah-Jane Truman, a Salford University alumna and the Community Development Lead for Achieve BBST, said: “We have tried to replicate the essence of physical events as closely as possible during the online activities we have been hosting since March and ‘Winter Wonders’ is an example of this.”
She added: “It’s an event for members of the community, service users and staff to come together and have some fun at the end of the year.
“It includes the annual quiz, some reflection and celebration, and always the opportunity to ask questions and support recovery.
“We know that working together helps build therapeutic relationships, and promote recovery networks.”
We know that the festive season can be difficult for some. Achieve BBST are running an online support programme throughout the festive period.
The programme is open to all and you can find a full schedule of sessions and how to join here: https://t.co/DgKanijDJl pic.twitter.com/D4gecfzaSX— Greater Manchester Mental Health (@GMMH_NHS) December 15, 2020
Ms Truman also touched on how their services have had to adjust during lockdown. She added: “During COVID-19 we have adapted to ensure that people still receive a quality service.
“We offer appointments by video link, online structured groupwork, and online recovery social activities.
“We have COVID-19 safe spaces that allow face-to-face medical reviews and small ‘pods’ for some group interventions.”
She also said: “Our Achieve Page contains a variety of ‘Two Minute Tool’s to help with cravings and recovery related issues. There’s some downloadable resources; Self Help Workbook and Diary, and ‘A Family Concern’ which offers guidance and insight for those affected by somebody else’s drug or alcohol use”.
Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year for individuals who are suffering from an addiction.
There were 268,251 adults in contact with drug and alcohol services between April 2018 and March 2019. However, with the added pressure of coronavirus, nearly a third of people have reported to have drunk more alcohol in 2020 than they normally would according to a study at Kings College London.
With pubs and restaurants closing this month, it may mean that you’re drinking at home more often. Here are some tips for keeping track and making sure you stay safe. @NHS_APA #AlcoholAwarenessWeek #NewHappyHour #TogetherGMMH #Recovery #Drug #Alcohol pic.twitter.com/yBIfXSwCpZ
— Greater Manchester Mental Health (@GMMH_NHS) November 18, 2020
Ms Truman said: “We recognise that this year has been particularly difficult for a lot of people due to isolation, loneliness and uncertainty, and these factors can influence increased substance misuse, especially alcohol.
“We know that Christmas can polarise emotional responses and we’d urge anybody who requires support, advice or information to get in touch.
“We are here for you.”
If you or someone you know needs support, or would like more information, get in touch with Achieve Salford on 0161 358 1530 or email SJ at Sarah-Jane.Truman@gmmh.nhs.uk who would be happy to answer any general queries.
The online event starts at 3pm on Thursday December 17 on Microsoft Teams.
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