CDAS opens its doors 15 November, 10am – 3pm, to showcase work in the community
On 15 November, a grand Open Day for Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug and Alcohol Service marked Alcohol Awareness Week.
Earlier this year, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare, Addaction and BAC O’Connor formed a partnership to co-deliver Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug and Alcohol Service (CDAS). Since then, all involved in the service have been working tirelessly to deliver the most appropriate treatment and care to some of the most vulnerable people in Stoke-on-Trent.
The existing Stoke Recovery Service, a partnership of Addaction and BAC O’Connor also continues to operate successfully in the town.
The management at CDAS decided it was time to demonstrate the scope and success to date of this work by CDAS to other local agencies in Stoke-on-Trent to promote holistic and collaborative working.
The day was a fantastic success – with over 150 guests from around 25 organisations including: Staffordshire Police; Staffordshire Fire & Rescue; Staffordshire Combined NHS; Drake Hall Prison, Youth Offending Service; Brighter Futures; Dovegate Prison; Job Centre; individual GPs and many more.
As well as being highly informative and enlightening, the day was activity-based and sociable.
Jane Bailey and Andreia Carrazedo, who both work in the Prevention and Engagement team for CDAS, manned a colourful “mocktail” bar, complete with cherries and umbrellas.
Luke Verrall and Andy Grieveson teamed up to provide a popular activity where guests could see how different amounts of alcohol affects your driving; Naloxone training was available for all visitors; group talks took place throughout the day and there was tasty food available at all times.
In around 15 separate rooms throughout the building visitors could find and explore different elements of the service – for instance – the Needle Exchange Team, Young People, Criminal Justice, BBV, Outreach and more.
Guests were also able to meet the doctors, nurses, detox nurses, key workers, recovery workers, managers and volunteers face-to-face behind each stage of the treatment and recovery process.
Michael Goodwin, Landlord Liaison Lead at Arch attended. Arch works in North Staffordshire to prevent and tackle domestic abuse, homelessness and to promote social inclusion. Michael said:
CDAS are providing a much needed service to the people of Stoke-on-Trent, and helping both families and individuals. It really shone through as a person-centred recovery programme.
The launch event was very eye-opening with lots of activities that made you think about the effects of drinking and how much alcohol you consume. The most surprising activity was walking with the beer googles on and seeing how much of a difference they actually make to coordination and direction!
A new Twitter (@SoTCDAS) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/SoTCDAS) for CDAS was launched on the day. Please follow and like!
Alcohol Awareness Week 2017 aims to raise awareness of harmful drinking in all ages and encourage people to discuss the issue and break the cycle of silence and stigma that is frequently experienced by families.
