Addicts Helping Addicts
Ex-criminals and former drugs addicts are to be trained as coaches and mentors to help other users through rehab..
Former prisoners who hace successfully beaten drugs and alcohol are to be trained as coaches to help whole families tackle addiction together in Salford. Salford City Council has won £100,000 in government funding to train up to 30 family recovery coaches to help addicts break the habit and stop their children going on to misuse drink, drugs and other substances. The coaches will include a handful of former prisoners as well as former addicts who have not spent time in prison. All understand what damage substance misuse can do and the impact it can have on children and the family. Our Chief Reporter Michelle Livesey's been to the Thomas Project in Salford, which already has a successful mentoring scheme in place. She's been speaking to some of the coaches and users of the service:
It's the first time support has been focused on the whole family which could not only change lives and futures but also save billions for the public sector. It's estimated that one heroin or crack cocaine user alone costs society between £550,000 amd £950,000 over their lifetime in health, care, crime and loss of potential earning. Children of addicts are also more at risk of developing problems, further adding to the cost.
Lisa Stone's Assistant Mayor for Health and Wellbeing at Salford Council:
THOMAS is part of the Achieve Partnership, Which launched in November, bringing together a range of organisations and recovery groups to build the ability of individuals and communities to respond to drug and alcohol use in Salford. For more information, advice and help visit: http://www.thomasonline.org.uk/