'GIVING HOPE TO SUBSTANCE ABUSERS'

21 MAY 2002

The Gazette recently paid tribute to our outgoing Mayor Alan Kerr. He did an outstanding job - and we shouldn't forget that his wife Pat not only supported Alan, but made a huge contribution herself to the life of the Borough.

The greatest tribute to Alan and Pat is that they treated every single citizen of the Borough as an equal. They were Mayor and Mayoress for each and every one of us. This was brought home to me when I attended a unique event at the Town Hall.

Alan and Pat had invited the residents and staff of Phoenix House for a reception and discussion. Phoenix House is part of a national network that provides a safe haven for young people suffering from drug addiction, in desperate need of support, but determined to kick the habit.

The young people come to South Shields from around the country, to help them get free of the destructive networks that have got them addicted in the first place. And as I know from my two visits to Phoenix House, the people there are just like any of us, except that personal tragedy or plain bad luck has landed them with an expensive and destructive habit. No one can afford to be complacent and dismiss substance abuse as something that happens to 'other people'.

The Phoenix House residential centre been in South Shields since 1985 and offers a wide variety of rehabilitation for people suffering from substance abuse. The House is run, by the residents, according to strict rules. Break them, and you are out. But the Phoenix House formula is based on years of experience from all corners of the UK about how to tailor services to the particular needs of the individual.

The standard length of stay is around six months. There is a wide range of advice as well as thorough care and treatment. When the initial placement is over, residents are helped to make their way back into work and into the community, with supported accommodation. For example by working with the voluntary organisation STRIDE, staff have been able to secure work placements that enhance skills and confidence. Medical support is only part of rehabilitation.

A few months ago Prince Charles visited Phoenix House and in particular he was impressed in particular by the work done for parents and children. He recently wrote about the work of Phoenix House, saying "I would very much like to congratulate Phoenix House on its success in providing practical help to drug and alcohol users in an adaptable and humane manner." I agree with that. It is brave of him to associate himself with a pioneering and innovative project.

Recent Government statistics reveal that almost of two thirds of people arrested in inner cities test positive for one or more illegal drugs, so this clearly makes sense. Of course rehabilitation is only part of the solution. We need to support the police in breaking up organised drug running, confiscate the assets of the 'Mr Bigs' who stand behind the drugs trade, and educate young people about the dangers of drug taking - which includes education about the dangers of alcohol.

In our own Borough the benefits of treating drug addiction as a health problem first, and an issue for criminal justice second, can be seen. Phoenix House cannot, unfortunately, turn every drug abuser off the stuff - but for every one they do help there is a lesson and a benefit for all of us.