New Brixton drug treatment centre officially opens » Local Government » 24dash.com

A new centre for problem drink and drug users was officially launched this week, having already increased the number of people in treatment.

The opening of Lorraine Hewitt House in Brighton Terrace, Brixton, which has been running since February this year, was marked by service users and local residents along with staff from the council and the mental health trust that delivers the service.

Mayor of Lambeth Councillor Angela Meader also unveiled a plaque in memory of Lorraine Hewitt at the event. Lorraine was the previous manager of Lambeth's drug treatment centre when it was based in Stockwell and was admired and well-loved by both colleagues and clients of the service.

The centre, which began providing services earlier this year so that more Lambeth drug and alcohol users could be treated, now supports over 500 problem drink and drug users. Having more people in treatment has also had a positive effect in reducing crime and anti social behaviour in the borough.

Patients at the centre are given the support they need to help break their addictions, including the prescription of ‘detoxes’, substitute medication and psychological support. Staff are also on hand to help with any other health problems.

Despite concerns from local residents that the centre could lead to increased anti social behaviour, preliminary results from a questionnaire to residents show that 75 percent feel the same or safer in the area.

Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, cabinet member for safer communities at Lambeth Council, said: "We're delighted to officially open the Lorraine Hewitt centre which has already been playing a vital role in helping vulnerable people to get out of the situation they are in.

"Our congratulations go to the dedicated staff who keep the service running."

Dr Mike Kelleher, Addictions lead for Lambeth SLaM, said: "We believe that with the best treatments and support integrated into the wider treatment system - yes we can improve the lives of people damaged by alcohol and drug abuse in Lambeth."

SLaM, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, is the healthcare provider that developed the new treatment centre.

A current service user for at the centre said: “When you’ve got an addiction there is often a very small window of time where have a realisation moment that you need help.

"The first time I got the courage to go and ask for help I was interviewed then told to wait 28 days for an appointment. It was two years until I tried again to get help. What is so unique about Lorraine Hewitt House is that there is an open door anyone, without any referral from a doctor or hospital, can walk in off the street, ask for help and they will be seen the same day.

"People have the perception that Brixton is on the front-line of the war against drugs but we now have some of the best treatment services in the country right in the heart of Brixton. And the treatment is not just like a production line.

"I’ve always been mistrustful of the system but they have some really good key workers and psychologists here that help you conquer your problems.”

In response to residents' concerns, the council and police took a number of steps to reduce the possibility of increased antisocial behaviour around the centre.

These include an additional named Police Community Support Officer to patrol the area and liaise with the treatment centre, repairs to the CCTV system, upgraded street lighting on Brighton Terrace and new gating systems around nearby flats.

In the current year, 2,051 problem drug and alcohol users are engaged in treatment provided by Lambeth partners.

The treatment available in the borough ranges from GP screening, to open access services, structured community based specialist services (such as prescribing, counselling, day care etc), inpatient detoxification units and residential rehabilitation.

The council, Primary Care Trust and other key stakeholders put together an annual Drug Treatment Plan which has been agreed with the National Treatment Agency.

This year’s plan outlines a borough wide approach to tackling this issue, and includes reducing harm, developing treatment workforce, effective treatment, better engagement with local communities, enhanced care pathways, better partnership working, increased treatment options, service user and carer involvement. 

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provides mental health and substance misuse services in Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham and substance misuse services for people in Bexley, Greenwich and Bromley.

It also provides national specialist services to people from across the UK and has the most extensive portfolio of mental health services in the UK. SLaM is a cross between a large local mental health trust and a teaching hospital, and is the largest mental health training provider in the country.

It is a world leader in research, working in partnership with the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. The Trust was rated double excellent - for quality of services, and for use of resources in this year’s Annual Health Check.

For more information contact the SLaM Communications Department on 020 3228 2830, email communications@slam.nhs.uk.