Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug
Partnership’s Winter 2014 Newsletter
Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) is a multiagency
group which works in partnership to review, develop and deliver
local services related to the challenges associated with alcohol
and drug use. This means that various agencies come together
as an ADP and work in partnership on issues related to alcohol
and drugs. Renfrewshire ADP reports to the Community Planning
Partnership, which brings together public sector agencies
(including Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland and Renfrewshire
Community Health Partnership), voluntary organisations and local
communities to plan what we all want to achieve for Renfrewshire
and how we can work together to do this.
Renfrewshire ADP was established in 2009 and comprises of
representatives from Renfrewshire Community Health Partnership,
Renfrewshire Council, Engage Renfrewshire, Police Scotland,
Scottish Fire & Rescue Services, Scottish Prison Service and Job
Centre Plus. There is also a structure in place to ensure the views
of service users are represented.
Our vision in Renfrewshire is to ensure that individuals
will achieve and sustain recovery from their problem
alcohol and drug use and become contributing
members of society.
“As chair of Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, I would
like to welcome you to our first newsletter. Over the last number
of years we have achieved a number of key outcomes which
means we continue to meet the needs of individuals affected by
drugs and alcohol. We have exceeded our waiting times which
means that no individual will wait more than three weeks from
referral to treatment and we now record outcome data which
shows the positive impact services are having on an individual’s
recovery. The newsletter will be published twice a year to keep
you up to date with all the latest news about what is happening
in Renfrewshire to address drug and alcohol issues. Highlights in
this edition include the launch of the Sunshine Recovery Café
and life saving Naloxone”.
I would like to thank frontline staff and partners for their
continued support in achieving our aims and look forward to
building on our achievements in the coming year.
Peter MacLeod, Director of Social Work
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Sunshine Recovery
Café Opens!
On April 9th 2014, the
Sunshine Recovery Café
opened its doors for the first
time.
Run by people in recovery,
the Sunshine Recovery Café
offers a safe, alcohol and
drug free space where visitors
can meet with others who
share similar experiences of
recovering from addiction.
As well as selling hot and
cold food, the café provides
a range of activities to get
involved with, such as book
clubs, stress management
sessions, recovery support
groups and various other
activities suggested by Café
customers. The Café aims to
be a hub of positive activity
for Renfrewshire, helping
to champion and support
recovery from addiction.
Each week, around 25 people
in recovery visit the café,
either to link up with peers or
to have something to eat.
The Sunshine Recovery Café
is open every Wednesday
from 1pm - 4pm in St
Matthew’s Church, Gordon
Street Paisley. For further
information or to get involved
with the café, please visit
www.renfrewshireadp.co.uk/
sunshine-recovery-cafe
Renfrewshire ADP goes digital
Renfrewshire ADP has recently launched their new website, which will be a central point of
information for both staff and members of the public. This online resource will display details of
services and projects which aim to support people to recover from drug and alcohol problems. The
website will also display details of services and how to access care and treatment for people affected
by drugs and alcohol, including family members.
The latest ADP news will also be published on the website, along with strategies, minutes, progress
reports and details of events. To see more, log on to www.renfrewshireadp.co.uk
Renfrewshire
Drug Service’s
Silver Anniversary
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of
Renfrewshire Drug Service (RDS). Opened in 1989
and originally known as Renfrew Substance Abuse
Resource, RDS was created as a response to
high levels of solvent abuse in Renfrewshire. The service has adapted to the ever changing
landscape of drug use, supporting people through the late 1980’s, when solvent abuse was
common and more people began using heroin. In the late 1990’s, RDS offered treatment for
problems with club drugs like ecstasy and now, in 2014, staff are responding to the emerging drug
trends related to New Psychoactive Substances.
Throughout its 25 years, RDS has seen significant change not only in the type of drugs used by
people, but in how drug addiction is treated. Treatment options at RDS in 1989 were very different
from the present day. For example, when RDS opened in 1989, heroin use was not common in
Renfrewshire, and Methadone was not a commonly prescribed drug. Most of the interventions were
psychosocial based with limited prescribing. Now, in addition to a range of other interventions,
opiate replacement therapy such as methadone is fundamental in supporting people to recover
from heroin addiction. When RDS opened, people tended to have problems with drugs or
problems with alcohol. It was virtually unknown for individuals using opiates, like heroin, to drink
alcohol. In 2014 however, there are many people accessing RDS who are receiving treatment for
drug problems as well as problems with alcohol. Recovery is the key focus within local services and
progress is reviewed regularly as part of the care planning process.
RDS moved from its original location on Backsneddon Street, Paisley to St James Street in 2001
but in 2012, the service returned to a refurbished Backsneddon Centre and new neighbours, the
Integrated Alcohol Team and the Criminal Justice Team.
RDS has been a joint service between health and social care staff since it opened, ensuring direct
access to the range of interventions the different disciplines can provide. RDS has a team of social
care staff, nurses, doctors and psychologists who aim to support people to recovery from addiction
by offering substitute prescribing, harm reduction advice, psychological interventions, group work
programmes and social care packages. RDS takes a whole person approach to care, so also offers
support for families affected by a loved one’s addiction issues. Renfrewshire Drug Service will
continue to support people with drug problems by offering the highest quality service possible.
To access RDS services call 0300 300 1199.
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KEEP
CALM
AND
CARRY
NALOXONE
Naloxone Kit
Keep Calm & Carry Naloxone
Every year in Scotland, around 580 people die as a result of drugs.
Opiates, (drugs like Heroin and Methadone) are the most common
drugs implicated in these tragic deaths. In 2013, thirteen people died
as a result of drug use in Renfrewshire. While this figure is lower than
previous years, these losses devastate families and communities across
Renfrewshire.
As part of the response to drug deaths, services in Renfrewshire are
proactively teaching people at risk about how to prevent overdose.
Naloxone, a potentially lifesaving drug can temporarily reverse the
symptoms of overdose and is now being issued to those most at risk.
If someone has overdosed on opiates, Naloxone can help prevent
death by displacing the opiates in the brain for a short period, allowing
valuable time to call an ambulance.
Distributed in a single issue kit, Naloxone is easy to administer and very
quick to work. People who request Naloxone from staff at Renfrewshire
Drug Service will be offered training on how to administer Naloxone
and basic lifesaving skills including Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR), skills which could be essential in case of overdose.
Renfrewshire ADP is currently participating in a pilot project to extend Naloxone provision by
equipping pharmacies who offer needle exchange with the skills and resources to distribute
Naloxone to those who are not in contact with specialist services.
Mandy Ferguson, addiction nurse manager said, “ extending the distribution of Naloxone kits is
important to ensuring that people are able to react to overdose effectively”.
During the first week in December, Renfrewshire Drug Service will be promoting Naloxone by
offering training and information to people accessing the service.
For further information on Naloxone log on to http://naloxone.org.uk/
To access Naloxone contact Renfrewshire Drug Service on 0141 618 2585
NetWork Celebrates Success
Since the service opened in 2013, 96 people in recovery from addiction have accessed the
NetWork service for support to achieve employment and/or a ‘meaningful’ day opportunities.
The team offers support to gain confidence and to support individuals to access employment.
NetWork is open to anyone one accessing mental health or addiction services in Renfrewshire.
Alan, one of NetWork’s first clients said, “I never thought I could work but I am talking to my
Occupational Therapist about what jobs might be possible for me. I am also a member of a
walking group and a community choir. For once in my life I am stable and looking forward to
what the future holds”.
To access to the NetWork Service, call 0141 849 2297or email [email protected]
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On the Road to Recovery with Route 66
Route 66 is a voluntary organisation which aims to support women who want to recover from
alcohol problems.
Formed in 2011 by a group of women in recovery, Route 66 offers a befriending service which aims
to encourage women to access treatment if they are experiencing problems with alcohol.
Route 66 volunteers are able to meet women and accompany them to any treatment appointments
at the Alcohol Problem Clinic or support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Having
experienced treatment, the volunteers are able to provide an empathetic listening ear and practical
support to women who may be nervous about seeking treatment.
Route 66 also run a drop in support group which meets every Monday at RCA Trust, Backsneddon
Street, Paisley. The group is informal and offers peer support to women who are working towards
recovering from alcohol problems. Anyone is welcome to attend the group, just drop-in on
Monday at 11am or call Route-66 direct.
Pauline, one of the volunteers from Route 66 said, “it can be a very worrying time for women
when they go for treatment for the first time. We’re here to help women get the support they need
to recover”.
To find out more about Route 66, please get in touch via phone or email.
Route 66: 07770679339 or email [email protected]
Jewels of Recovery:
WRENs get creative!
The Women’s Recovery group, WRENs, meet on a
Monday and is a support group for specifically for
women. The group offers an opportunity to meet
other women who are recovering from drug
addiction and access to support from Renfrewshire
Drug Service staff. Recently, the WRENs have been
busily working on a burgeoning social enterprise;
jewellery making. What started off as a small craft
exercise has now grown into high street worthy
designs. Necklaces, earrings and bracelets are all available to purchase at reasonable prices
with all profits being ploughed back into the support group. The WRENs can even take
specific commissions for that special occasion.
For more information on the jewellery or to get involved with WRENS, contact rds.wren@
hotmail.co.uk . Women in recovery from drug use are welcome at WRENs group.
Contact 0300 300 1199 to find out more.
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Cannabis Use in Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire ADP recently carried out a scoping exercise with young people to review the
prevalence and attitudes relating to Cannabis use in Renfrewshire. Young people were asked
about their beliefs and experiences of Cannabis. The majority of people participating in the
survey stated that they knew someone who smoked cannabis on a regular basis. While the
young people questioned understood that Cannabis could affect mental health, worryingly
they did not think Cannabis was any more dangerous than alcohol. The Scottish Schools
Adolescence Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS survey), which is conducted
throughout Scotland showed that 5% of 13 year olds and 15% of 15 year olds living in
Renfrewshire had used Cannabis in the last month.
In 2013, 5,600 pupils across S1-S6 in Renfrewshire participated in the Health and Wellbeing
Survey of Young People. The survey showed that 10% had tried illegal drugs and from that
figure, 88% had tried cannabis.
SPEAR, the Prevention and Education Sub-group of the ADP will be running a Cannabis
awareness campaign over the coming months. The campaign will aim to highlight the dangers
of Cannabis and support people to be able to make more informed choices about drug use.
Cannabis can lead to the development or worsening of mental health problems. For more
information on the facts about drugs, log on to Know the Score www.knowthescore.info
Mutual Aid
Fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and Narcotics Anonymous
(NA) have been supporting people to recover from addiction for decades. Mutual Aid groups are
fellowships of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so
that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from addiction.
Barnardo’s Threads Plus Intensive
Family Support Service
Barnardo’s Threads Plus provides family and housing support
to young people and young parents (21 and under) across
Renfrewshire. The initiative is funded in partnership by
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, Renfrewshire ADP and
Barnardo’s. The service offers intensive support and group
work programmes which aim to support the substance using
parent, their partner and their child by offering parenting,
attachment and emotional support.
The Threads Plus service has supported 23 families from
November 2012—October 2013 and has seen positive
outcomes which have included reduced social work
involvement with families as well as improvements in
attachment, play and parenting.
For further information on the Threads Plus project contact
Barnardo’s direct
4 Lochfield Rd, Paisley, PA2 7RG
Tel: 0141 884 6696
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There are a number of groups
meeting in the Renfrewshire
area. For further details
contact:
Alcoholics Anonymous:
0845 769 7555
http://www.alcoholics
anonymous.org.uk
Narcotics Anonymous:
0300 999 1212
http://ukna.org
Cocaine Anonymous:
0141 959 6363
www.cascotland.org.uk
Fellowships for families
affected by alcohol also run
in the Renfrewshire area
www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Festive Campaign
The festive season is a time when many of us enjoy celebrating. Whilst drinking in moderation can
be an enjoyable, sociable activity, all too often hospital A&E departments and the Police become
inundated with dealing with the negative consequences of people drinking to excess.
Over the festive period, Renfrewshire ADP along with Police Scotland, British Red Cross and the
Community Resources team from Renfrewshire Council will be providing a ‘Safe Bus’ as part of the
festive safety campaign. The Safe Bus will be situated in Paisley Town Centre in order to provide
welfare assistance to members of the public who have become intoxicated and are therefore at risk
of harm or ill health.
The bus aims to reduce the number of
presentations to Accident & Emergency by
offering first aid and welfare to those who
need assistance. The bus will be operational
from the New Street area of Paisley on the
12th & 13th and 19th & 20th December.
Taxi marshalls will also be operational on
these weekends as well as on 24th and
31st December.
It’s important to remember the safer drinking
guidelines:
Women should not drink more than 2 – 3
units of alcohol a day, and no more than 14
units in a week.
Men should not drink more than 3 – 4 units
of alcohol a day, and no more than 21 units
in a week.
Everyone should have 2 alcohol free days
per week.
A unit of alcohol is equivalent to half of a
175ml glass of wine or half a pint of normal
strength beer or lager or 25mls of spirits.
Mixing alcohol and drugs can be
very dangerous.
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Lower Drink Drive Limit
On 5th December 2014, the drink drive limit in Scotland was reduced to 50mg of alcohol in 100ml
of blood, in line with many other European countries. The previous legal limit was 80mg.
It is very difficult to convert the new limit into an accurate estimate of how much you can drink
because everyone is different. It depends on factors including the size and strength of the drink, a
person’s age, gender and weight.
Alcohol affects coordination, reaction times, and increases risk taking.
Even very small amounts can affect your ability to drive safely.
You can’t judge whether you are over or under the legal limit
without a breathalyser or blood test. The safest thing to do is
avoid alcohol altogether before driving.
Remember, you could still be over the limit the morning
after a night’s drinking. Only time will remove alcohol
from your system, not black coffee, a meal or a few
hours’ sleep.
Don’t risk it. Don’t drink and drive.
Find out more by visiting www.dontriskit.info
New Psychoactive Substances
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are substances which mimic those of illegal drugs which people
across Scotland are using for intoxicating effect. Previously known as Legal Highs, they are often
not illegal and can pose significant risk to health.
• Mephedrone is the most commonly used NPS in Scotland, used by 1.6% of 16-34 year olds
in the last year, and by 0.4% of adults.
• NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde has seen a increase in NPS related presentations at Accident &
Emergency.
• In 2013, NPS were implicated in 60 drug related deaths across Scotland. •
Accident and Emergency admissions in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde in 2012 rose by 400%
- from eight in 2011/12 to thirty seven in 2012/13. This rise is indicative of the
continuing and significant rise in popularity of NPS use. The people presenting were so
seriously ill when brought to the hospitals that they had to be admitted and in many cases,
only urgent specialist treatment prevented death.
• In Scotland, there were 213 seizures of NPS (Mephedrone and Ketamine) by Police forces in
2012/13.
• There were also 215 ‘other class B’ and 125 ‘other class C’ drug seizures in 2012/13. Some
of these were also NPS, however no breakdown by drug type is currently available.
For more information on New Psychoactive Substances, log on to www.knowthescore.info
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We hope you enjoyed Renfrewshire ADP’s first Newsletter.
The next newsletter will be published in summer 2015.
If you would like further information on Renfrewshire ADP logon
to www.renfrewshireadp.co.uk
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275776-1 Pub