ALCOHOL SERVICES TOP 650-BUT THERES STILL MUCH MORE TO DO SAYS PRESSURE GROUP

New research by Alcohol Concern reveals that there are now over 650 services in England and Wales providing specialist alcohol treatment- details of which can be found in their new Alcohol Services Directory 2007. However, a sizeable body of evidence makes it clear that current provision is nowhere near the level required to meet documented need, says the team behind the directory.

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ALCOHOL SERVICES TOP 650-BUT THERES STILL MUCH MORE TO DO SAYS PRESSURE GROUP



New research by Alcohol Concern reveals that there are now over 650 services in England and Wales providing specialist alcohol treatment- details of which can be found in their new Alcohol Services Directory 2007. However, a sizeable body of evidence makes it clear that current provision is nowhere near the level required to meet documented need, says the team behind the directory.

They point to the Department of Healths ANARP project, which identifies a substantial gap between need and treatment offered despite assuming a higher level of provision than was uncovered by Alcohol Concern. Moreover, an Alcohol Concern survey carried out earlier this year among 95 treatment providers found that 43% of respondents had noted an increase in client referrals since 2004 yet only 25% had received increased funding to meet the extra workload.

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern says:
Alcohol treatment services do a fantastic job, despite the pressures and uncertainties they face. We call on government to make adequate provision of alcohol treatment a real priority, and to ensure the mechanisms are put into place to unlock much needed funds.

The Alcohol Services Directory 2007 will provide a much-needed resource for service planners and providers of what is available locally. As well as describing the individual services that are available to problem drinkers, their families and young people, the handbook contains a straightforward explanation of the wide range of treatment options offered and guidance on assessing people with alcohol problems.

Penny McVeigh, Chief Executive of NORCAS says:
We welcome the timely publication of this new directory. Having up to date information on whats available in each local area is key to ensuring that people who need help can find an intervention most appropriate to their individual circumstances.

Copies of the directory, priced Gbp25 (including p&p) are available from the Resource Information Service. Contact details: 0207 939 0641 or through www.ris.org.uk.

ENDS
For press enquiries please contact Frank Soodeen at the Alcohol Concern Press Office on 07866063013, or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk.

Notes to editors
Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol related harm in society. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.

The Alcohol Services Directory 2007 is a key resource on alcohol treatment and offers a comprehensive listing of alcohol services and types of treatment in England and Wales. It includes an overview of the alcohol field and an explanation of the wide range of treatment options available. The directory includes information on types of treatment including specialist listings on: residential services; young peoples services; and womens services.

The (A)lcohol (N)eeds (A)ssessment (R)esearch (P)roject showed in 2005 that on average only 1 in 18 of those in need of treatment were able to access it. This figure varied widely across the regions, with only 1 in 102 people in need accessing treatment in the North East (the lowest access region) and 1 in 12 people accessing treatment in the North West.

The treatment survey was contained in Glass Half Empty?, which summarises Alcohol Concerns vision of how society can achieve a more healthy relationship with alcohol as Government reviews its Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy and prepares for the next stage. It sets out: a review of the Strategy heretofore; the principles which should underlie the new strategy; recommended aims and objectives to achieve lasting change; and Alcohol Concerns recommended solutions.

Date: 06 June 2007