Course helps with drink and drug problems

TEAMWORK . . . (standing, from left) Andy Mayall, Kevin Rogers, Stuart Clayton, Paul Lewis, Nelly Hardman, John Cooper and Mahmood Waraich (service user development worker). Seated: Abda Shaheen (self care development worker) and co-ordinator Jason Bromley

OLDHAMERS with drug and alcohol problems explored the consequences of their actions during a self-care course.

Eight volunteers receiving treatment from the Oldham Drug and Alcohol Service signed up for the course, run by Oldham Community Health Service.

Sessions were specially tailored to those taking part and topics included the process of change and exploring what health and self-care is as well as confidence-building, prevention and management of stress.

One course member, Stuart Clayton (44), said: “It was very interesting and helpful. It has given me the motivation to buy a bike so I can get exercise.

“I’ve also started volunteering again, so I’m now a walk leader with the Activate scheme and I have contributed to the alcohol and drug service magazine.”

Roisin Reynolds, service manager with Oldham Drug and Alcohol Service, said: “Many of our clients may not access mainstream health services because drugs and alcohol may mask the health problems they have so they don’t realise they are ill. All the people who took part in this course completed it. It has increased their awareness of what they need to do to keep healthy and they are encouraging their families and friends to go on self-care courses.”

Jason Bromley, self-care co-ordinator, who led the course, said: “We’re always looking for new opportunities to reach out to people to help them be able to take better care of themselves.

“We hope this course has helped those we have worked with to make long-term changes to the way they live their lives.”