Health charity wins top award

A LEADING regional charity working inside Warrington Hospital has won a top award for its work in tackling the issue of alcohol misuse.
The project, led by NHS Warrington in partnership with the drug and alcohol charity ADS (Addiction Dependency Solutions) has scooped the winning entry in the voluntary sector contribution to public health category, for its outstanding success in the work it has done to tackle the issues of alcohol misuse.
As part of the work of the Warrington alcohol harm reduction strategy group, the project was launched to tackle the issue and reduce alcohol related admissions to North Cheshire Hospitals.
The project saw the recruitment of volunteers, with first hand experience, who undertook training with ADS and who went on to work with the alcohol liaison nurse at North Cheshire, visiting every person admitted to hospital with an alcohol related problem.
As a result of this work and the visits 49 vulnerable people have become actively engaged in services.
A patient said: “When I was first admitted to hospital there was nothing like the support there is now. We need more people like ADS volunteers. Alcoholism is a cruel, cruel illness and without support from ADS I don’t know what people would do”
Jane Knight, NHS Warrington’s alcohol harm reduction specialist said: “Winning this award is a great achievement for all involved, especially the volunteers. Within Warrington we take a really strong and proactive approach to dealing with the issue of alcohol misuse and through the work of the strategy group we are making some great inroads into tackling the problem”
Wendy Kay, ADS area director said: “We are delighted to win this award. It is an excellent example of a partnership working to make a real difference to the community. Our work at the hospital is an important element of our overall service at ADS Warrington. Each month we work with over 300 clients at our centre on Museum Street, helping them rebuild their lives from the devastating impact of alcohol misuse.”
The awards will be presented at the North West Regional Annual Public Health Conference, which is to be held at the BT Convention Centre Liverpool on October 13-14.