New services in Nottingham set to improve treatment for drug and alcohol use

From this month people in Nottingham who need help with drug and alcohol issues will be able to access better support from an enhanced service being offered by Nottingham Recovery Network (NRN).

The service, which is being funded by Nottingham City Council, has a clear focus on recovery. It builds on seven years’ experience of successful delivery by the partnerships that makes up Nottingham Recovery Network.

The partners within the network, who offer a wide range of skills and resources, are led by Framework and include Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Double Impact and Al-Hurraya.

The NRN supports around 8,000 people which is expected to increase each year over the life of the contract.

Based at the Wellbeing Hub at 73 Hounds Gate off Maid Marion Way, the Nottingham Recovery Network provides a single point of free support, advice and treatment. They provide a wide range of services under one roof including support with alcohol and drug treatment, mental health and mental wellbeing, harm reduction and sexual health, skills and education and employment.

The new service will increase accessibility and widen range of support in order to meet the diverse needs of Nottingham’s resident’s by:

•  Extending the opening hours by more than a third to 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-12pm on Saturdays.

• Working in partnership with GP surgeries and local pharmacies in to order to bring the service to the people directly including setting up clinics in Aspley, Bestwood, Bulwell, Clifton and Lenton/Wollation (Cripps).

• Providing support to families, carers and loved ones affected by someone’s drug or alcohol use, therefore improving the family’s involvement in care where individuals have requested it.

• Increasing access for diverse populations through Al-Hurraya’s inclusion in the partnership and increasing the focus on gender-specific responses, also providing an increased focus on the needs of the needs of people identifying as LGBTQI+.

• Providing app-based support which includes video and text access to key workers, presenting an overview of the individual’s own support plans and recovery goals and access to self-help tools 24/7 which increases people’s choice and control over their own personal journey.

Via GoogleMaps

Reflecting on the potential of the new contract, Framework’s Director of Health and Social Care, Apollos Clifton-Brown, said: “NRN’s new partnership is an exciting opportunity to build on our success by reaching more people and enabling more individuals, families and communities to recover from the impacts of drug and alcohol use and reach their full potential.

“We have the opportunity to break the inter-generational link between drug and alcohol problems and their impact on our community, thereby improving the health and wellbeing of Nottingham residents.”

Recovery now underpins every element provided within the service, people who access it will now be able to meet with staff and volunteers with lived experience during their journey. Safe spaces for recovery communities will also be made available in local areas, operating from the Wellbeing Hub.

The Wellbeing Hub also hosts Nottingham’s mental health Crisis Sanctuary seven days a week (6am-11pm) where anyone can drop in for advice and support around their mental health.

New increased options for 18-25 year olds will also be available for those wanting advise and support around drug and alcohol use.

A spokesperson for Nottingham Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are blessed with a strong partnership offering the diverse resources and experience required to deliver this wide-ranging service as well as staff throughout each organisation who are as skilled and determined as they are compassionate. There is every reason to be optimistic that NRN will continue to meet the needs of the people of Nottingham for many years to come.”

Graham Miller, Chief Executive of Double Impact, said: “This new contract will ensure that people accessing support are offered an expanded range of ways in which to recover from the adverse effects that can sometimes be caused through drug and alcohol use. Tackling these issues head-on aims to improve the lives of people utilising Nottingham Recovery Network and communities at large.

“This strong local partnership, developed over many years, will play to its strengths, expert knowledge and experience to bring about positive change to the lives of people, their families, friends and loved ones. It will reconnect people with hope, ambition and their health at the same time as supporting their return to training, education and employment. Ultimately the service will support people to move on in their lives and make vital positive contributions to society and the communities where they live.”

Anyone seeking support should visit NRN’s website www.nottinghamrecoverynetwork.com or call 0800 066 5362 or follow NRN on social media. 

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