St Mungo's launches new approach to help rough sleepers combat alcohol addiction » Housing » 24dash.com

St Mungo’s, London’s largest homeless charity, has today formally launched a new approach to helping rough sleepers combat alcohol addiction.

The Alcohol Reduction Unit, a five-bed residential support service in King’s Cross, aims to stabilise residents’ alcohol consumption through a mix of group work, complementary therapies and structured activities.

“The Alcohol Reduction Unit is the first of its kind in London,” St Mungo’s regional director David Devoy said.

“Using methods ranging from reflexology to visits to the London Eye, the ARU helps homeless people reduce or stabilise their alcohol intake - acting as a stepping stone to further detox and rehabilitation therapies.

“Since November 2007, we’ve had 11 residents at the ARU, with a majority progressing to further detox, rehab or abstinence.

“This is an exceptional beginning, with preliminary feedback showing a high percentage of residents, who previously slept rough and drank heavily, are not only going on to further treatment but are also staying well.”

The ARU is one of a range of substance use services provided by St Mungo’s, which in 2006/07 made 984 referrals that helped people into detox, rehab, prescribing services and specialist units.