Charity chosen to help city’s addicts

CRI to deliver Birmingham Drug and Alcohol services.

From March 2015 CRI, a leading drug and alcohol charity will deliver a range of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services across Birmingham. Following a rigorous tendering process, CRI’s unique and tailored proposal was selected, as it best suits the requirements of the city’s multicultural residents.

CRI was awarded the contract by Birmingham City Council. Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr John Cotton, said: “Drug and alcohol misuse doesn’t just destroy the lives of addicts. Tragically partners, children, parents, carers and indeed whole communities suffer.

“So, after consulting service users, their families and carers, the new system will focus on the wider impact of addiction across Birmingham. We’re delighted to be working with CRI – an organisation with a fantastic track record of helping vulnerable people get their lives back on track.”

CRI will be encouraging community participation; ensuring their services are based on quality, timely interventions that provide what the individual needs at the time that they need it; in the area where they live. By focusing on the needs presenting in each ward CRI will develop an approach that responds to local needs; enabling Birmingham residents to access support in health and community settings. We aim to connect with people experiencing difficulties and their families, making entry to treatment and support as easy as possible.

Nic Adamson, CRI’s Regional Director for Birmingham says: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract in Birmingham. As a charity we work with 53,500 people every day and have a strong evidence base around the types of treatment and interventions that work for people recovering from alcohol and drug problems. We have learnt over the years that people need support that is tailored to their specific needs, to ensure they have the best chance of recovery. We are looking forward to supporting the people of Birmingham and helping them gain better access to the level of help that suits them, so they can look forward to living healthier, positive lives.”