The families of Doncaster people who heading for recovery from drug or alcohol addiction are set to get extra help and support – thanks to the introduction of a new post within the borough’s drug and alcohol services.
Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service is a partnership organisation set up by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) and registered charity The Alcohol & Drug Service (ADS). The service’s new Family Worker Sandra Hardy has taken up her role after the RDaSH Charitable Funds Committee agreed to joint fund the post in partnership with Doncaster Council’s Stronger Families Programme for a period of 12 months.
The role will see Sandra working with the families of people across the borough, who want to achieve a drug and alcohol free lifestyle and are either preparing to either undergo Aspire’s detoxification programme, or who are pregnant.
Sandra, a trained psychotherapist said: “The alcohol or drug addiction of a loved one has a major impact on their network of family and friends. So when the person decides to seek help, this network has a huge part to play in helping them to make a positive change.”
She added: “I’ll work in conjunction with Aspire’s key workers, who co-ordinate the care of the person in recovery and wider partners as part of the Stronger Families Programme. My role will be to focus on the family as a whole as promoted by Stronger Families, and build therapeutic connections with them to prepare them for – and support them through – the detoxification process, so they understand how this experience will affect their loved one and their own lives going forward, as well as reducing the risk of relapse.”
Aspire Service Manager Stuart Green said: “We’re delighted to announce that Sandra is now in post. This is an exciting opportunity to empower families to change alongside their loved one, and build a strong positive network to support their ongoing recovery within the community.”
Councillor Pat Knight, cabinet member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is a great opportunity for families affected by addiction to get more support. The Family Worker will work alongside Doncaster’s other services which help people across the borough.”
Anyone who would like a confidential chat about drug or alcohol issues please visit Aspire’s live chat at www.aspire.community.
