DHI Friends talks to Councillor Simon Allen See page 6

DHI and Natural Theatre at Bath Fringe See page 7

DHI Friends
DHI Friends newsletter #5 Spring 2014 www.dhi-online.org.uk

DHI arrives in Bristol!

DHI has started a unique new drug and alcohol service for service users in recovery, as well as families, carers, and communities in Bristol. For more turn to page 2...

John Taylor Its my story

We are really excited to feature this exclusive interview with John Taylor. Kudos and thanks go to the Off The Wall team who asked JT for the interview. For more turn to page 4...

Inside this issue

DHI arrives in Bristol! 2 ... A word from our CEO 3 ... John Taylor Its my story 4 ... Take each day as it comes 6 ... DHI at the Fringe 7 ... Burlington Street residents welcome Community leaders to tea 7 ... DHI merges with Peters House 8 ... Reach Out 2014 9 ... DHIs new service bridges the gap between housing and drug and alcohol services in Somerset 10 ... Give to DHI 11 ... News in Brief; Coming up next time 12
Company No: 3830311 Charity No: 1078154

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DHI arrives in Bristol!

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Ben McFarland, Manager of DHI's new Support Service at the launch.

A word from our CEO

ristol has recently been named as the best city in Britain. But like any city, it has its fair share of people struggling with life controlling issues including substance misuse. For every person grappling with drug and alcohol misuse, its estimated that at least five others are affected. (PACT research, Phil Harris, 2011) The good news is that a new more flexible service to help people in Bristol who are tackling drug and alcohol problems has been made available from 1st November. Called Bristol ROADS (Recovery Orientated Alcohol and Drugs Service), and building on the previous service, it has been designed to join up treatment and support services more effectively to help people move from dependence on drugs and alcohol to good health and a stable and positive lifestyle. The new 9 million service is being run by a partnership of local agencies St Mungos, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service (BSDAS), Bristol Drugs Project (BDP), Developing Health & Independence (DHI) and Addiction Recovery Agency (ARA). Bristol ROADS was developed following a rigorous commissioning process by Safer Bristol staff after consultation with service users, service providers and the wider community. DHI is responsible for delivering the innovative Support Service which comprises four key elements:  Supporting Families & Carers of people with drug and alcohol problems  Supporting those in recovery from drugs / alcohol to volunteer as Peers  Advocacy (delivered by The Care Forum)  Tackling discrimination in the community.
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H
It was a great relief to be able to talk with someone who showed empathy and understanding, but was also very knowledgeable about the effects the addict/ addiction has on family members.
Families and Carers service user

aving recently taken part in Dry January, Ive been mindful of how much pressure there is on people to drink in social situations. Ive known this for a long time, and over the years have even heard stories of clients being picked up from rehab by a relative or friend and taken to the pub to celebrate (surely you can still have one!). For me, the endless questions at recent social gatherings are merely irritating (mind you Ive given up smoking too, so irritation is my current state of being), but for those for whom abstinence has become a matter of life or death, or the difference between keeping relationships with family and friends or not, it must be a huge battle. DHIs dry houses precious (dry) houses have give some of the most vulnerable supported hundreds of people in and isolated this way, and that is why I am individuals with delighted to welcome Peters House drug and alcohol Project and its supporters problems a chance in a residential rehabilitation unit to start again, rebuild as they join DHI. or hospital, it is a fraction of the cost, lives and relationships (approximately 1/10th) representing a and stay clean, where the only really exciting opportunity for many more people pressure to stay clean is peer presure. to get the support they need to rebuild their lives, Over the years these precious houses have supported at a time when most services are being scaled back. hundreds of people in this way, and that is why I am Moreover, Burlington St is just part of a much more delighted to welcome Peters House Projects and its joined up community based approach to alcohol supporters as they join DHI. Peters House has been in Bath & North East Somerset involving GPs, helping vulnerable people stay clean and rebuild hospital, treatment agencies and housing services. shattered lives in Yeovil for many years, but as a small This approach is already proving to be much more community based charity was struggling to survive in effective in supporting people, with resources going this harsh financial climate. DHI is truly honoured to much further. When the costs of alcohol related harm welcome Peters House and is a committed custodian to the NHS are estimated at 3.5 billion a year, this of the legacy of its founder, Peter Love. is money well spent. As a sensible, strategic, cost saving use of public funds it has been a reason to Last month also saw another of our dry houses, be cheerful, during this otherwise cold, gloomy and Burlington Street, converted to host a second anything but dry January! dedicated detox unit. Compared to a traditional detox
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Over the years these

Councillor Simon Cook says, ROADS will not only help individuals and their families, but will also benefit Bristol as a whole; reducing drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour. The service operates from a range of satellite hubs across the city to ensure that it is accessible to all, particularly those with diverse needs. A celebratory launch of the Families & Carers aspect of the service took part on Friday 28th February at The Station in Bristol. Around 60 guests attended, hearing from staff, service users and volunteers including Family Champion Jenny Milward who said, My champions are DHI and the Families & Carers service that got us through one of the most difficult times. Further promotions of the service will follow throughout the year. For more information please visit www.dhibristol.org.uk

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SPEciaL GUEst intERViEW

John Taylor Its my story

We are really excited to feature this exclusive interview with John Taylor. Kudos and thanks go to the Off The Wall team who asked JT for the interview. Much to everyones surprise he said yes!
As an individual who has gone through the highs and lows of life with addiction, JT, bass player and co-founder of Duran Duran, tells us about his experiences. John was recently interviewed by our service user team at Off the Wall, so watch out for his upcoming interview in their next magazine, due out in spring.
You have written an autobiography called In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death and Duran Duran in which you give a candid and honest account of your experience of addiction. What made you decide to write your story? Before I got sober I couldnt see past the end of my toe and as Ive gotten more time, my heads lifted up and I can see further into the distance. I remember the first year, I could really just about plan what I was going to do the next week, barely. I didnt have the confidence in myself, and then I just got enough time that I felt secure in my story and the reality of my story. I think also that when you go through an experience like Duran Duran in the eighties which was so much fun but it was also extreme in a number of ways, you almost want to lock it down while you still can, in a way you get it down how you remember it. How did you come to experience addiction? Do you feel that this was something that happened due to you becoming a pop star or as a result of earlier influences? I think all of us here have found ways to act out. I mean thats what we share; you all didnt have to get into a pop group to lose control. Like so many things we start doing them... and drugs are really powerful. I suppose quite quickly for me the work started getting
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in the way of the partying. It took me a long time to get sober and I had to bump along, I had to have a lot of very unpleasant nights and a lot of cancellations. How is life different now that you are sober? One of the beauties of sobriety that I find is that over time, and its slow but sure, that you go back to being the person that you were before you picked up on the drugs and the alcohol. You have to keep working on yourself, the mirror gets closer and closer every day so you have to be constantly prepared to do housekeeping on yourself, but you become a stronger more honest person. What was the most helpful or useful thing for you in the early stages of your recovery? I dont believe you can do it alone, certainly not, you cant beat drug addiction and alcoholism by yourself; connecting with people that have the same problems as you, I think that is number one, thats a priority. In some ways your experience of addiction and recovery is quite different from that of many of DHIs service users - given the fame, wealth and success that you experienced, do you feel others in recovery can learn anything from your book? Well I always say about alcohol and drug addiction that they are equal opportunities and it doesnt matter how much youve got or how little youve got, we all end up on the floor face down, feeling rubbish. I was just glad when somebody gave a name to my feelings and said Youre an alcoholic, youre an addict. In almost every case that Ive seen you go back to being trustworthy, hardworking, and the honest loving person you were.

I think that undergoing detox is really, really difficult and problematic and I would like to see that everybody who gets the chance to do detox, gets to do it in a safe environment
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Take each day as it comes

DHI Friends talks to Councillor Simon Allen about his experiences with Dry January. Simon is B&NES Councillor for Radstock (Liberal Democrat) and the Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board.
Why did you give up alcohol for Dry January? I, like many other people across the UK, drink socially and I felt it was time for me to have a think about my relationship with alcohol. What was the hardest thing about giving up? To be honest, the hardest part has been getting out of some old routines; stopping off at the shop to get a couple of Bath Ales or whatever and settling down at the end of a long day with a pint. What was the reaction of family and friends? My friends and family have been very supportive plus its put a few quid back in my pocket to be able to treat the kids. What health benefits did you experience? Sleep has been the big one! I have been sleeping much better and my digestion has been much improved. Would you encourage other people to take part in Dry January? Absolutely, a month off gives you that little bit of distance between you and alcohol. Ultimately if alcohol isnt a problem for you then Dry January should be a walk in the park. If you find it really difficult then I would advise anybody in that situation to speak to their GP. If there was one tip you could pass on to someone who wants to reduce their alcohol intake, what would it be? My one top tip is to take each day as it comes, drink lots of water and go outside LOTS (even if the weather is bad)! Sorry thats three top tips in one.

DHI at the Fringe

In May DHI is taking a walk on the satirical side and putting on a series of promenade street theatre performances in Bath as part of The Fringe.

Our performances will focus on how history repeats in relation to issues such as poverty and homelessness, as food for thought. We will be announcing further details on our website and Twitter in the coming month. If you feel that this is something you would like to get involved with please contact events@dhibath.org.uk or tweet us @dhi_online

e are very thrilled that our production will be part of the Bath Fringe Festival, and is being directed by The Natural Theatre Company who are working with our service users to create the content of the performances.

Burlington Street residents welcome Community leaders to tea

In early March Burlington Street Dry House opened its doors to Community leaders from the B&NES area.

he residents of DHIs 11 bedroom supported dry house and detox welcomed local VIPs to raise awareness of the project and to share their first hand experiences. As well as offering a highly affordable alternative to residential or hospital rehab, Burlington Street enables people to consolidate their recovery within their community. The recently completed refurbishment work has enabled us to provide 2 detox suites with a shared bathroom and kitchen. The community detox is provided in partnership with AWPs Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service. The 9 bedrooms of the main house offer furnished accommodation for people who have detoxed and wish to remain abstinent from drug & alcohol use.

Jeremy moved into Burlington Streets individual detox facility so that he could take part in its 10 day detox programme before living in a supported environment. Jeremy says it was important to [go] somewhere that was manned 24/7 and gave support whilst in housing.
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Bob Betts, Chair of Friends of Peters House

Get latest updates on twitter #reachoutfest

ONE DAY FAMILIES & CARERS EVENT

FREE

DHI merges with Peters House

HI has announced its merger with Peters House, adding to its portfolio of supported housing in the South West region. Peters House, which, since 2009, has been offering night shelter facilities and additional support to vulnerable people in Yeovil, Somerset, will be re-opening its doors as a shared house for people with drug and alcohol issues in Spring 2014. Bob Betts, Chair of Friends of Peters House says: This merger is the culmination of a lot of hard work between Peters House Projects and DHI. Im full of optimism for those struggling with drug and alcohol issues in
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We are passionate about seeing people get well and lead a more fulfilling life, and this merger with DHI means we are able to continue offering this vital service
Bob Betts Chair of Friends of Peters House the Yeovil and surrounding area. We are passionate about seeing people get well and lead a more fulfilling life, and this merger with DHI, taking on our volunteers and building means we are able to continue offering this vital service. We are especially delighted to be able to continue to count on the support of our volunteers. Our clients will be able to continue accessing a range of activities so that they can build skills in areas such as gardening, carpentry, time management and budgeting, through to housekeeping and literacy.

4 1 0 2 r e h t e g o T l l A ith special guest John Taylor

w
Connecting with people that have the same problems as you, I think that is number one, thats a priority.
John Taylor
BASS PLAYER AND CO-FOUNDER OF DURAN DURAN

Reach Out Family Festival Saturday 14 June 2014, 10am 3.30pm The Station, Silver Street, Bristol BS1 2AQ
FREE one day Families & Carers event Tackling stigma and isolation for those affected by a loved ones substance misuse. For more information and / or to join the mailing list please email events@dhibath.org.uk or call 01225 329411 or 01225 478730 Supported by:

Final lineup subject to last minute change DHI Registered Charity No. 1078154 Company No. 3830311

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DHIs new service bridges the gap between housing and drug and alcohol services in Somerset

Donation Form
I want to help Develo ping Health & Independance by giving a donation of... 10 15 20
(my prefered amount)

HI has launched a new service as part of Somersets Drug and Alcohol Services to offer support to people with drug and alcohol issues who are at risk of losing their housing.

Achieving housing and stability is one of the elements forming the bedrock of peoples recovery from drug and alcohol problems. Our new service therefore provides an added level of support to those wanting to make positive changes. The service will act as a bridge within the new treatment services, and is being provided by two specialist workers, a senior worker and a practitioner.

The service will:  Ensure drug and alcohol clients are able to access housing support and housing that meets their needs  Offer advice to drug and alcohol service staff to support their ongoing work with clients in relation to housing  Enable people to access DHIs drug and alcohol specific accommodation, which will soon include 4 properties across Somerset: Champneys in Frome, Portway House in Wells, Hillside in Yeovil and Peters House in Yeovil.  Offer enhanced practical support to ensure clients detox is a success and to enable them to sustain their accommodation  Mediation service with family, friends or supported housing providers to prevent homelessness.

Julie Hughes, DHIs Operations Director says: This new service offers choice and a range of options for people. The majority of the housing will be abstinence based accommodation, suitable for those who are much further along in their recovery journey. There will also be a house specifically which will accept people who are already on scripts but not using other substances like alcohol. The service is highly flexible and targeted, so that DHI will be able to support people all the way along the treatment journey. It might be that they are at a chaotic point or they might be at the other end and far into recovery and are abstinent. Wherever they are we will work with them or their agency to obtain and sustain their accommodation.

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DHI team member nominated for Bath based award

l DHI Outreach worker Annie Farrow spends part of her week giving out hot drinks and offering support and advice to people living on the streets. We are thrilled that Annie has been nominated in the category of Community Champion of the Year. 10 The awards, which are run by The Bath Chronicle and BMI Bath Clinic, aim to recognise people who help to make Bath and North East Somerset a better place to live. Well done Annie and also fellow nominee Jamie Tutton. The winners will be revealed on 27th March.

Giftaid Make your donations worth 25% more!  am a UK Taxpayer. Please treat all donations I have made to I Develo ping Health & Independance for the past 4 years and any I make in the future as Gift Aid donations until further notice.
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You must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax each year (6  April one year to 5 April the nexy year) at least equal to the amound of tax we reclaim on your gifts for that tax year. I am not a UK Taxpayer

Please complete this form, enclose with your donation and send to: Fundraising Department, Developing Health & Independence, 15/16 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE
www.dhi-online.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1078154

Company No: 3830311 Charity No: 1078154

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News in Brief
Here are some other significant DHI events that have happened over the last few months.
Sainsburys staff raise funds for DHI We are delighted that two willing volunteers have decided to do a charity bungee jump on behalf of DHI. Thanks Emily and Sophie, you are fantastic! Are you inspired to do something similar? Whatever your fundraising idea, wed love to help you make it happen! Contact DHI for more client achievement information by emailing awards presentation. info@dhibath.org.uk Congratulations to Kurt Knight, Steven Wiltshire and the service user Annual Event team at Off The Wall, Dr Phil Hammond joined the final winners and us for a fantastic night also to all the nominees. celebrating the success of DHI, including Check out http://www. the ever-inspiring dhi-online.org.uk/news/

article/dhi-annual-event2013-film/ for more about the event and our highlights video.
New contracts We are delighted to have gained a new contract in Swindon called Self Directed Support & Direct Payments Service. The service promotes independence and choice

for individuals, utilising the skills of the wider voluntary and community sector to support adults with care needs.
Bath Half Thanks to our team of 7 runners who pounded the streets of Bath in one of our highlight fundraiser events of the year. Well done to you all!

Coming up next time

Poverty History Theatre highlights and pictures from DHIs own theatre event at the Bath Fringe Festival ... Reach Out Family Festival event highlights, spotlight on a brand new FREE resource for families and carers, plus links to service presentations and client stories. ... Peters House Garden Party a summer themed garden party is being held at the Yeovil dry house to promote the launch of DHIs latest detox facility in the south west. See photos of the event and hear about how it went.
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