A NEW alcohol and drug reachout service has been launched in South Lanarkshire.

Turning Point Scotland has launched the Assertive Outreach and Intensive Case Management Service which will be person-centred and flexible, and has been designed to go to where people are.

The organisation, which helps people living with problematic alcohol and other drug use, says the service is aimed at people who have traditionally struggled to engage with services and build trusting relationships.

Glasgow Times:

It will operate thought the whole of South Lanarkshire and will focus on three key groups: 

  • Individuals who do not engage at any level;
  • Individuals who sporadically engage therefore proving difficult to achieve desired outcomes, and
  • Individuals who partially engage where the focus is purely on medical treatment

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The new service also aims to respond to referrals within a 72-hour period to provide a range of alcohol and other drug harm reduction interventions.

Thomas Hobbs, service manager of South Lanarkshire Alcohol and other Drug Reachout Service said: "We recognise the support required for someone tackling problematic use of alcohol and other drugs and may be daunted by the road ahead.

"We are committed to developing an assertive and community outreach approach or service that will benefit people and communities within South Lanarkshire."

Patricia Tracey, head of Alcohol and Other Drug services at Turning Point Scotland, said: "We are committed to helping people begin their recovery journey using approaches which aim to reduce harm and place safety at the forefront of care delivery.

"We are passionate about encouraging citizens who use the service to improve and maintain relationships with family, friends and communities whilst building a firm sense of belonging that ultimately, will assist in lowering the number of drug-related deaths within Scotland."