New drug service REACHing for a clean start

The doors to an innovative new drug programme centre will be officially opened in Rochdale next week.

The REACH project, on Drake Street in the town centre, is a new day service for drug users, run by Rochdale Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team and Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI).

The service has been running since January and provides a daily timetable of structured activities for people affected by drugs who are looking to change their lives. It provides one-to-one and group work, and a range of therapeutic activities incorporating access to training and education.

Jeanette Staley of Rochdale Drug and Alcohol Action Team at the council said: “The REACH project offers flexible opening hours and community outreach work to help engage marginalised communities. The team are working closely with and providing support for families, parents and carers as well as those with substance misuse issues.”

Staff at the centre are working closely with criminal justice and those on court orders. A satellite service is also being delivered in community locations such as GP surgeries, to attract service users who may be reluctant to visit the service base.

Former service users also have the opportunity to contribute to the programme through the development of a peer mentor programme.

Councillor Ted Flynn, cabinet member for Community Safety said : “It’s great to have this kind of service in Rochdale. It is important that we support drug users to make positive changes - psychologically, socially and emotionally - and move towards a life free of drug dependency.”

The service will be formally launched on Wednesday (29 April) at 12.30pm at the REACH centre, 109 Drake Street, Rochdale.