NEW alcohol and drug services led by a national social care and health charity will open their doors in Wirral this weekend.

The new Wirral Drug and Alcohol Integrated Treatment and Recovery Service officially launches on Sunday and will provide drug and alcohol users with fast and easy access to treatment, advice and continuing support.

CRI will lead on the delivery of the new service across with the support of a wide range of other specialist national and local providers including Phoenix Futures, Work Solutions, Advocacy in Wirral and the Spider Project.

The new service will be rolled out to different areas of Wirral.

Recovery hubs, providing localised support to the borough’s residents, will also be set up to provide support to those that need it, encouraging increased contact and structured support to promote healthier living.

The service will also offer user training in a wide range of life skills and sports, as well as social activities and training to support volunteering projects.

Sue Shaw, regional director for CRI, said: “We recognise that Wirral drug and alcohol services have, over the last decade, been very successful in getting people into treatment and reducing the harm to individuals and communities that substance misuse causes. 

“We are committed to ensuring that this change in service provision will offer greater opportunities for people to achieve their own recovery, so that they are able to leave treatment and move on into meaningful options for a healthier drug and alcohol free lifestyle. 

“Those already in treatment will receive continued and ongoing support. We will ensure that this support is uninterrupted and improved.  We would also urge people who need any form of advice, help or support to get in touch.” 

The new service and associate providers are also working to form partnerships with children’s centres and community groups to ensure access to services in places such as Woodchurch, Wallasey, New Ferry and locations across West Wirral.

The recovery hubs open from the start of the service are located in Conway Street and Argyle Street in Birkenhead and Ashton House, Chadwick Street, in Moreton.

More developments and recovery hubs will follow including an abstinence based centre in Birkenhead that will support people in their recovery once they have left structured treatment.

For more information or to access the service, call 0151 556 1335.