OffTheWall

No.17 Spring 2010

in this issue... Bath half Marathon / Book reviews / space 2s Bike Club Dhi Fishing club / More rabbit stew... / Dear heroin Problem page / Massage at Dhi / useful information

Day and night support services in Bath

Julian house
Manvers Street: 01225 354650 Day Centre: Offers tea and coffee/General advice/cooked meal 11.00 until 11.45. Mon-Fri: 9.30 until 12.30. Sat: 9.30 until 1.00. Sunday closed night shelter: Open every night 8pm-8.30pm overflow shelter: 15-bed spaces at no charge. Open 10.30pm-7.30am. No booking required, first come, first served basis, deadline: 12.00am.

Genesis
Lunch Box, St Michaels Church (Opposite Waitrose) Mon-Wed: 12.30 until 1.30, Egg, bacon and sandwiches, tea and coffee (50p - 1). General advice.

sunDay Centre Genesis

Sunday: 1pm 5pm. Every Sunday of the year based at Nexus Methodist Church, Nelson Place East, London Road. Low cost dinner, warm and friendly environment. Tea, coffee and cakes. Sunday papers and games available.

the souP run

The Soup Run is open at 7pm seven days a week, 365 days a year in the Old Cattle Market, off Walcot Street, in the centre of Bath, providing free coffee, soup and sandwiches. Each night of the week is run by a team from a different church. People use the Soup Run for a variety of reasons, because they are homeless they dont have a place to cook or their benefits have ran out. The soup run offers support, a point of contact and a social meeting place.

liFeline Centre
The Forum Building (Corn Street entrance). 01225 329263 Mon-Fri: 2pm-4pm. Support and advice on all issues (including homelessness, substance misuse). A safe place to rest up. Tea and coffee available

Dhi also offers a range of aftercare services including access to a local gym, complimentary therapies, auricular acupuncture and computers with internet access.

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

Contents
on yer bike! news round up Who do you think you are? life is cheap! Dear heroin Mephedrone Problem page rabbitt, rabbitt, rabbitt Dhi book club Fishing club sallys story Jokes and Poems s.t.a.r.t Whats on at Dhi service user Charter useful info next issue: the summer issue
Hepatitus C feature, more interviews, reviews and information.

4 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 23

4 16 14

Get in touch! off the Wall Magazine 15/16 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE tel 01225 329411 email offthewall@drugsandhomeless.org.uk
Patron Midge Ure off the Wall editorial team Feature writers: Sean Kehoe, Steve Wood, Jim Timoney, Justin Yates and Rachel England. Jokes & Window on the web: Steve; Books & Poetry editor: Jim; Recipes: Justin & Rachel Contributors Rebecca Bex Meaden, Sally, Jody Clark, Andy Evans, Andy Suter, Hannah Weisberg-Meddick, Elizabeth Griffin, Mick advertising sales Sean Kehoe (offthewallsk@yahoo.com)
Copyright 2008 Drugs and Homeless Initiative. All rights reserved.

4 Feature

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

on yer bike...
sean Kehoe interviews Andy Suter about Space2s Bike Club
When and how did the bike club start? We started about 2 years ago at Space 2 on New King Street. It was a small project but we were aware that it had lots of potential. It is part of the Meaningful Occupation group which is part of Julian House, working with vulnerable adults. We have recently moved to larger premises at 35 Corn Street. At New King Street we were literally building and repairing bikes in the kitchen of Space 2 with no room to throw a spanner now we have a lot more room and everything is much more accessible. What days and times are you open? We are open Mondays 1-6pm and Fridays 9-3pm. Previously it was just Fridays but we have recently extended this and we are looking to increase the hours in the near future. how do people get involved and who are allowed to come? Anyone in service or ex service users can come along. People are often referred by an agency or hear about us from word of mouth. When people arrive we simply register basic details and off you go. It is a very friendly, fun atmosphere and the people who do come along really seem to enjoy it. how is it funded? Good question - Julian House fund us at the moment and have from the start. However we do have some good plans and are hoping to make some changes in the near future to help us become self funding. Where do you get you bikes from? Various sources. They are mainly donated from the very kind public and from the police. The Police have many bikes in the lost and found. The police hold these for approximately 6 weeks to see if they are reclaimed if not they can be claimed by the finder. If the finder does not contact the police they are given to the project and we gratefully receive them. We are of course always looking for more though. Do you get any really good quality bikes/ What is the quality? Yes we do get some really good ones. Lost and found bikes often have very little wrong with them. We also get bikes that have been left chained to railings in the city centre for a long time and some of these may only have a buckled wheel but the owner may have thought thats it and never come back for it. We do get some very old ones donated and although these may be difficult to build back to a fully working bike we nearly always manage to use something for parts and spares. how does the ownership of the bikes work? It used to be that someone could simply come down and choose a frame, work on it for a bit and it was theirs to take

away. This has changed a little now. We are now called Julian House Bike Recycle Workshop and we encourage people to come in and help to work on bikes for the project and in return they will get their own bike to work on and it is theirs at the end. Do you get many people coming along and are you looking for more people? We get about 10-12 people sometimes other times it may only be 2 or 3 but are always happy to have more. We have a couple of die-hards, Chris Nash and Andy Evans who come along every session and are very knowledgeable and always on hand to help people. are you a keen cyclist? No, not as much as I would like to be or should be. I have a bike at home but have not used it for six months. I am just glad to be helping the community and getting people involved. I am hoping to do a cycle ride in May/June though and any participants are welcome and bikes can be provided. Come down to 35 Corn Street to find out more or just come down anyway.

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

round up Bath half Marathon

Sunday 7 March 2010

t was perfect weather conditions for our team of Golden Bond runners this year as they took part in the Bath Half Marathon event. Team DHI performed amazingly well. They all did themselves and us proud as they endured the physical stress of the 13.1 miles, two lap race around both sides of the River Avon. For the first time, DHI joined the Charity Marquee in the runners village of the event. There was an incredible atmosphere with the high spirits, energy and enthusiasm of the runners. Our team was made up of Drugs and Homeless Initiative friends, clients and staff from South Gloucestershire and Bath. All of the

runners have committed their time to training and seeking sponsorship to raise much needed funds for various specialist services to support our innovative work. DHI would like to say an enormous well done and special thank you to our runners for taking part in the Bath Half Marathon! We are inviting runners to accept the opportunity to participate in the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday 5 September 2010. Runners can be clients, friends, family - anybody who would like to take up the challenge and raise funds for the development of our services.

DHI will cover the 35 entry cost for any clients who wish to run. We just ask that you commit to raise sponsorship money and in return you will receive: 1. A free DHI running t-shirt or vest 2. Events pre & post the race in the Runners Village 3. A tremendous achievement! For an information pack or to reserve a place, please contact Hannah Weisberg on 01225 329411 or email Hannahweisberg@dhibath.org.uk

Massage at Dhi
With Elizabeth Griffin (ITEC qualified)
lizabeth qualified as a massage aromatherapist and reflexologist in 2000 and has achieved some remarkable results whilst working with addictions, epilepsy, skin complaints and chest conditions. Elizabeth wholeheartedly supports the use of aromatherapy massage and reflexology for their therapeutic value as touch therapies and their efficacy of returning the body to a state of balance often within a quite short space of time. Massage Massage is a hands-on therapeutic treatment that works on the soft tissue of the body, using a variety of movements. Massage can improve blood and lymph circulation and restore the flow of energy through the body. It is used for relaxation or stimulation, relief of stress, tension and pain, and to bring

about a general sense of well-being. It can also have an emotional effect, enabling people to laugh, cry or talk openly about how they are feeling. aromatherapy The main difference between Aromatherapy and Massage is the amount of pressure used and the inclusion of different essential oils and the parts of the body they work on. Aromatherapy essential oil is the extracted essence of the plants/flower/tree. Physically it is primarily eliminative strengthening the bodys immune system. Psychologically it is deeply calming, balancing and revitalising. reflexology Reflexology massage works on the feet and sometimes treatments are given to the hands. It is based on the principle that each

area of the feet and hands corresponds to a different part of the body. Pressure applied to these areas stimulates energy flow around the body encouraging the bodys ability to heal itself. It stimulates the nervous system allowing proper functioning to take place. Blood circulation is improved and all other systems of the body regulated. Aromatherapy and Reflexology can be used effectively on their own or in conjunction with orthodox medicine. They can be just once but benefits are best felt with regular use. Massage sessions are now available at DHIs offices in Monmouth Street on Tuesday mornings. If you would like to book please speak with your key worker.

6 20 Questions

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

10

Who do you think you are?

off the Wall speaks to Jody Clark, DHI employee, wannabe footballer and curry lover...
otW: how and why did you get to this point in your career and why did you want to get into this type of work in the first place? JC: I was working at the Big Issue in Bristol as a Project Manager and about 90% of the vendors injected drugs. I found the subculture that existed around IV drug use and homelessness fascinating and saw up-close the harms caused by the act of injecting and the need to offer support to people currently using drugs. At the time the Big Issue was looking to go in a different direction so when the role of Proactive Outreach Worker came up at DHI I jumped at it. A big part of the interest in this field is the challenging of the stereotypes and stigma that still exist for people who use drugs. All too often individuals are ostracised and demonised because of their behaviours and set apart from mainstream society which just seems to compound the issues and create barriers for people looking to make changes. otW: What do you find most rewarding about your job? JC: I think that would be the moment when clients decide that they dont need to access our services anymore and just want to move on with their life. Its always nice to work with people who have achieved their goals and are now glad to see the back of us. otW: What do you find most difficult about your job? JC: Two things spring to mind immediately. Firstly it is the untimely accidental deaths of clients that could have been avoided. Drug use has its risks and when people succumb to the ultimate one it sucks.

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

Due to this I am really proud that DHI has managed to get a Naloxone service up and running in South Glos and hopefully will duplicate this in other areas too. The other is the fact that working in the voluntary sector means that we are dependent on funding and are at the risk of losing good members of staff and services when political winds change direction and money is diverted elsewhere (or cut altogether). otW: in the event of a zombie apocalypse what steps would you take to ensure your survival? JC: I would ensure that I was in the first wave of people to become zombies giving me time to establish myself at the top of the zombie hierarchy (Zombie Emperor, King Zombie, Im not too caught up on the actual job title) and then lead the ensuing conquest of the human race. otW: What are your career and life goals? JC: I have never been careerist by nature. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunities within DHI that have come my way and have enjoyed them all thoroughly, first as A Proactive Outreach Worker in South Glos and then Team Leader in Swindon for the direct access services. My current role as Acting Ops Manager is coming to an end and I am off to be Harm

Reduction Coordinator in South Glos so we shall just have to see where that takes us. As for my life goals I tend to just take it as it comes and deal with it when I have to, much to the annoyance of family and friends. otW: What is you favourite book, film, album and plate of food? JC: My favourite book has to be Joseph Hellers Catch-22 and film would be Dr Strangelove, both I guess showing my less than favourable attitude towards war. Its a bit unfair of OTW to limit me to just one album so Ill pretend to have misread the question and give you several; Energy by Operation Ivy, Real Gone by Tom Waits and Achtung Bono by Half Man Half Biscuit. As for food I am a simple man so a cheese sandwich and a pack of hula hoops (original). otW: in twenty words describe your perfect night out? JC: Curry, pub, gig, friends, laugh, taxi, bed. Only needed 7 words (15 including these ones). otW: if you were PM what laws would you introduce or change? JC: I would repeal all laws that impinge on the freedom of individuals (so most of them) and ensure that all remaining laws put people before profit. I would do away

with the prison system for all but those who pose a threat to other people (murderers, rapists, etc). To be honest I dont think I would last long as Id either get assassinated by agents of the World Bank/IMF/Daily Mail or inevitably be caught out rinsing the expenses system in such a cavalier fashion that I would be booted out before the end of the first week. otW: Who would be your perfect dinner party guests? JC: Noam Chomsky, David Lynch, Steve Aylett, Steve Ignorant, Cheryl Cole, Wayne Bridge and John Terry. otW: What were your childhood aspirations and which ones have you fulfilled? JC: I wanted to play football for either Bristol City or Man Utd or be an astronaut/ fireman/inventor. I have not achieved any of this so thank you OTW for reminding me. What I do have though is a little boy, Cameron, who more than makes up for it.

8 the Money Page

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

life is cheap!
Jim timoney gives us the low down on how to get out and about whilst saving your money ... if you have any other ideas, send em in. theatres
l Those who prefer a live performance may like to know that the Theatre Royal, Rondo and Mission Theatre all offer discounts to some benefits claimants again, check with them or their websites for fuller info. My favourite way to catch a cheap production at the Theatre Royal is to use their Standby system at five quid a throw. Tickets are available on the day, mostly for the gods, which I prefer, anyway.

library computers
l If the DHI computers are too often in use when you need one, its worth knowing that Bath Central Library offers free usage for one hour a day to those on certain benefits ask at their desk. Availability is usually immediate but booking is also possible; they may be used at any time during opening hours, including weekends. The exercise facilities are excellent and you can end your session with my favourite part of the workout by adjourning to the sauna if you want to sweat out the poisons and soothe away the aches. Just ask at DHI or BADAS reception if you are a Service User to arrange a booking.

Cinema-goers
l If the cost of a trip to the flicks is a bit over the top for you, remember the Little Theatre offers discounts to some benefits claimants check with them or their website for precise details. Older film fans can get to see mostly up to date films at the Little on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for only 3.70; the Odeon does the same on Wednesdays for 3.00. You are supposed to be 50+ and dont forget your free tea/coffee and bikkies at the Odeon or tea/coffee and cake at the Little! DHI has a new money management worker availablilty of this service will be published shortly.

Work out for free

l Those who want to train for the next half marathon or just feel the need to get fitter and improve their physical and mental health but find gym fees too expensive might like to know that DHI and BADAS Service Users may use a gym card from these services to work out free of charge at the YMCA.

Free haircuts!
l Fed up with paying a fortune just to get your hair cut? Try calling Andy at Space 2 (formerly The Shed) on 01225 354650 or 01225 354663 for a freebie. Decent haircuts are available on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm.

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

Feature

Dear heroin...
This is the letter written by heroin addict hannah Meredith just three weeks before she died from an overdose.

annahs letter vows to quit the drug and lists the evils associated with heroin as she faced up to her addiction before she died aged 17 in October last year. The letter details how ashamed she felt at taking money from relatives to feed her habit and how determined she was to beat her addiction - poignantly describing how lucky she had been not to die. Her parents have now released the letter in the hope of inspiring other teenagers to resist drugs. Her mother Louise Meredith said she was so proud of the letter and I was so proud of her for writing it I just hope it can help someone else now. Her parents have now set up The Hannah Meredith Foundation in her home town of Llanelli, to provide practical support in a town that saw heroin related deaths increase from 3 to 13 a year between 2006 and 2008. Dear Heroin

I never want to touch you ever again. Youve ruined my life, made me steal from my family, on probation cause of you. Why I choose you I dont know? Youre the worst thing that ever came into my life. Yes, I did love you but now its time to say goodbye. Im so ashamed of myself cause of you. I ODd three times, youre a big risk to anyone that does it and to me. So Im going to be strong and stay away from you and never touch you again. My family have supported me all the way but I just kick them up the backside

taking advantage of them. Stole off my mother, granddad, mam I borrowed money off her and didnt give it back. Shes getting old now, and look what youve made me do, my nan - 120 stolen off her, once again cause of you. I love my family from the bottom of my heart, its not nice being called a junkie. It feels horrible, you feel so small. Well I feel small, you made me feel like Im worth nothing, just a dirty junkie sticking needles in my arms. Youre out of my life now, dont need you no more. Yeah, youve messed up nearly two and a half years of my life but Ive still got my whole life ahead of me and Im going to prove to everyone that I can stay away from you, going to college, getting a job and a car. Then get on with my life and get my familys trust back. Stop offending, thats the only reason I was doing all that cause of your dirty addiction. You make me sick to be honest with you. I did love the buzz of you but youre not worth it. But not anymore, Ill make sure you stay away from me, and Ill stay away from you. I was brought up by a good family not a bad one, yeah Ive had a lot of problems in my life, been quite bad actually, all because of you!! Youre a killer, youve killed a lot of people and really they are good people. Im lucky that you havent put me in a

box cemetery. Lost loads of my mates and it hurts me, they sometimes blank me cause they know Ive been on you its not nice when Ive got pin holes in my arms and marks, track marks. The illness that I go through when I use you and the after effects, cold turkey, clucking, withdrawals, its the worst feeling that youve put me through, being bad off you. Wanted to kill myself a few times cause I couldnt go through it. Well guess what heroin, I can and did do it. I can beat you anytime. I can control you, you dont control me. Ive got enough will power to get you out of my life for good. Im strong and much stronger than you can ever be. Im not losing anything over you. Goodbye heroin. Never again. Family comes first. Hannah Meredith

10

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

Cover feature: Mephedrone

is the party over?

sean Kehoe and the Off The Wall team investigate the latest legal high to be made illegal, the previously little known M-Cat

hen the team at DHI were putting together this issue of Off The Wall we decided our cover feature would be about a little known party drug called Mephedrone. Little did we know that over the coming weeks it would become the hottest subject being discussed in the news and parliament with speculations (largely unconfirmed) around its contribution to the deaths of several young people. The Government moved quickly to ban mephedrone making it a Class B drug but will this stop people using it and if it does will another similar drug simply take its place - Is the party over? So what is Mephedrone:- Also known chemically as 4-methylmethcathinone(4MMC) or 4-methylephedrone, it is a synthetic stimulant and entactogen drug of the amphetamine and cathinone groups. Until just a few weeks ago it was a legal high based on the cathinone compounds found in the Khat plant of Eastern Africa and comes in the form of capsules, tablets and most usually powder which is normally swallowed in bombs or snorted. By the end of 2009 it is thought that Mephedrone had become the fourth most popular street drug after Marijuana, Cocaine and Ecstasy. Throughout 2009 the drug was sold openly at music festivals, head shops and on a massive scale on the internet as plant food. The reasons for the rapid growth is thought by some to be due to the availability and legality of the drug while others put it down to poor quality cocaine and ecstasy. About half of all ecstasy pills seized in 2009 contained no MDMA and Cocaine purity was down by 22 per cent. The effects of Mephedrone have been compared to a cross between Cocaine

to speed and coke a little in its stimulating effects, which were far more than MDMA on its own. [...] The euphoria was absolutely crazy. I looked in the mirror, my eyes were saucers. I felt giddy from how amazing I felt. Stroking my arm was like having an orgasm. It was about as mindblowing as my first e. [M]ephedrone really disappointed me. The initial come-up rush led me on to thinking I had stumbled upon something very special - then it dropped off. [...] It seems that few reports from Erowid and afar have mentioned a lack of euphoria, so it just goes to show that chemicals affect people uniquely. [...] At no point was I compelled to take more mephedrone, despite its reputation of being moreish. Mephedrone Is a nice drug, the euphoria I experienced was extremely pleasurable and from what I remember I had a great time. Mixing Mephedrone with alcohol was a very bad idea I experienced a great deal of memory loss and this is not something that usually happens to me and the nausea of today is unbearable. There has been very little research into the side effects of the drug although some users have particularly mentioned nose bleeds and burns, nausea, anxiety, paranoia, skin rashes and itchiness, insomnia, heart palpitations and impaired short term memory. illegal drug On 30 March 2010, Alan Johnson announced that mephedrone would be made illegal within weeks and came into effect 17th April after the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) sent him a report

and MDMA and include mental and physical stimulation, feelings of openness and empathy, increased sociability and talkativeness, a pleasurable rush, decreased appetite, pupil dilation, unusual body sensations, increased heart rate and sweating. Users have reported comments such as A very nice substance for me overall. My elocution was remarkably enhanced, communicative centers were gaping wide, very comfortable and relaxed stimulation, empathy was significant (even though the magic has long since departed my MDMA experiences). Comedown was not painful, just so swift it left a vacuum in its wake. I overindulged in MDMA when I was first introduced to it, and now I may as well have three caffeine drinks as take a pill. This substance feels (for me) like its effects could be similarly degraded with over-use. Ill be abstaining as much as my will permits. Compared to MDMA, similar euphoria (when bombed [swallowed]), far more hornyness, a bit less empathy, no psychadelia (although light tends to prism after several redoses, I think this is just a serotonin effect) - but what was amazing is that the next day, I felt brilliant, like I hadnt done anything the previous night. I would also compare it

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

11

on the use of cathinones. Prior to the ban being announced, Dr Polly Taylor, a member of the ACMD resigned, saying she did not have trust in the way the government would use the advice given by the ACMD. Eric Carlin, another member of the ACMD, also resigned after the announcement that mephedrone would be made illegal, saying that the decision by the Home Secretary was unduly based on media and political pressure. He stated that there was little or no discussion about how our recommendation to classify this drug would be likely to impact on young peoples behaviour. The medias coverage has angered some who work in the drugs field The misreporting of mephedrone deaths is a crass example of the potentially lethal alliance between press and politicians that by default ends in a ban that often creates far greater harms than those caused by use said Danny Kushlick, of the drugs charity Transform. The most widely reported case before march and which

prompted the idea of this article was that of Gabrielle Price, a 14 year old girl who died after taking mephedrone in November. Toxicology reports have since shown the death was a cardiac arrest following broncho-pneumonia which resulted from streptococcalA infection So what will be the effects of making mephedrone illegal? Will it stop people making and supplying mephedrone or other similar drugs? Will it miraculously stop people using it. Will people no longer want to get high at parties? Or will it simply put the drug into the hands of the usual drug dealers who will push the price up. Some ex-members of the

ACMD, and various charity groups have expressed concern regarding the banning of the drug, arguing it will inevitably criminalise users, particularly young people. Others have expressed concern that the drug will now be left in the hands of irresponsible dealers, who will only compound the problem. The ACMD has very publicly ran into problems with the UK Government recently regarding drug policy, many of these problems fuelled by the decision to prohibit Mephedrone and other related cathinones. Eric Carlins resignation was specifically linked to the criminalisation of mephedrone, and he stated: We need to review our entire approach to drugs, dumping the idea that legally-sanctioned punishments for drug users should constitute a main part of the armoury in helping to solve our countrys drug problems. We need to stop harming people who need help and support. Consequently, the Mephedrone debate has led to a general questioning of UK drugs policy.

Mephedrone - some background info.

is this drug available locally? Yes. Mephedrone is cheap & readily available on the internet & in some headshops & usually clearly marked NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. There are plentiful supplies of it locally. It is popular on the club scene & in rural areas has already quite a following amongst users of stimulant drugs & ketamine. Because of the low cost many users are switching over to regular Mephedrone use. Most service users seem to have some awareness of it & many have at least tried it. SU feedback on the drugs effect & their experience of it vary enormously. is it legal? At the time of going to press (16 April) Mephedrone has just been made an illegal class B drug. What is it? Mephedrone is a powerful stimulant drug & has been likened in effect to use of ecstasy, speed or cocaine. It usually comes as white powder, but is available as capsules or pills. The powder is usually snorted. No reliable info as yet on IV use. is it any good then? Users report a definite feeling of coming up or of rushes as the drug starts to work. The main effects seem to include feeling alert, a sense of calm, wellbeing, excitement, stimulation, chattiness & elevated mood. negative effects: Mephedrone, if snorted, can damage exposed nasal skin, similar to use of cocaine or speed. This can lead to inflammation, nose bleeds & localised pain. Common reported side effects include: loss of appetite, poor concentration, high body temp, racing heart, panic & sweating. The come down is said to be a very miserable experience. Feeling tired, drained & very low but unable to sleep. This state appears to last well into the next day. There have been several deaths reported in the media, where mephedrone has been implicated. So far the actual causes have not been determined. long-term effects. Nobody really knows yet! This is still a relatively new drug. One worrying trait seems that although there is not yet any evidence to suggest physical dependence. Many users report a very strong desire to continue using the drug. A craving sometimes likened to that of cocaine use. Psychological dependence could therefore lead to problematic use.

12 Problem page

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

Dear off the Wall...

Welcome to our new problem page ... each issue we will be printing readers problems, and rather that giving our response we want our readers to offer their advice ... so if you can help either of this issues readers, please write in...

Reader responses
letter from issue 16 I have struggled with alcohol issues for over 10 years now and thankfully after engaging in counselling and group therapy at DHI I have reduced my intake and reached my goal of being able to just drink on social occasions such as weddings and birthdays ... My friends and family however, do not agree that it is appropriate for me to be drinking at all as it is their opinion that an alcoholic must stop drinking and never drink again ... I would very much like some advice as to how to deal with this situation and get more support from my friends and family rather than stress. reader response... I really understand and feel for the recovering alcoholic who gets bothered by prats at parties. Ive learnt over time various ways of fending off these people. The thing to remember is that most people dont give a toss whos drinking what, so try not to be so self-conscious. Start with simple replies like being on medication, under doctors orders, driving, giving it up for Lent or simply dont feel like it tonight. The more pushy might need to be told to drop the subject and you can always walk away from them. Ultimately, if your sobriety is really threatened, the best option is to leave, even though its unfair that your evening should be spoiled by someone elses ignorance. My own ultimate response, which is not possible for everyone, is to say Look, Im a f***ing alcoholic! If I do have a so-called proper drink, I promise you wont like the result. (Preferably put a bit more calmly!). Anon. letter from issue 16 I am struggling to eat healthy on a budget. Please could you give me some tips on how to manage this. reader response... Thats easy! Pick up a copy of DHIs recent publication - The Bath Thrifty Cookery Book! Its available from the DHI office on Milsom Street for 4.99 and has 30 money-saving recipes from local chefs and service users. Anon.

New letters...
Dear off the Wall Unlike your recent correspondent, I know without a doubt that social drinking is not an option for me. My problem, as a recovering alcoholic, is how to fend off or shut up people who pester me at social functions about why Im not drinking. These range from the innocent one-off enquiry to the obsessive drunk insisting I have a proper drink. Do any of your readers have some useful advice, as it can be very annoying and spoil what would otherwise be an enjoyable time? Anon.

Contact us and win a prize if you can help either of the writers above, send us your response and you could win a prize (10.00). you an email us - offthewall@ drugsandhomeless.org.uk - or write to the address at the bottom of this page.
off the Wall Magazine 15/16 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE tel 01225 329411 email offthewall@drugsandhomeless.org.uk

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

13

Food: rabbit, rabbit, rabbit...

Brace yourself...
Justin yates liked our rabbit recipe last issue so much, he had a dinner party and gave the recipe his own personal twist ... with memorable results.
l Several weeks ago OTW were offered a brace of rabbits (not as pets but for eating) with the idea that we could write up an article about cooking them, continuing the theme of cheap meal ideas. Being someone whos usually up for trying something new especially if that something is free, I volunteered to be the one to take the rabbits & write the article. Returning home with them I put them in the freezer & planned in a few weeks time to invite a few friends over to try the rabbit with me. At that time, having never before tried rabbit I was genuinely quite looking forward to tasting it. Having never cooked rabbit before, I looked for recipes on the internet. As you can imagine there were loads of meal ideas for rabbit. The majority though seemed to contain quite expensive ingredients & therefore didnt fit with the theme of cheap, either that or they contained alcohol, which considering the nature of OTW I thought might be inappropriate. Eventually I decided that I would just make up my own recipe, using cheap ingredients. However even though the ingredients were cheap having to cook for a few others would be a strain on my limited finances, being on benefits every penny is used in my weekly budget, or at least this is what I told myself in order to justify having to postpone the rabbit meal for a few weeks because had it been beef or lamb in the freezer I would have easily found the money to cook it. I was starting to have a few qualms about eating the rabbits, which I told myself was stupid, as a meat eater why should I find this difficult? I guess we have developed to be wary of eating the unknown, our ancestors would have realised probably the hard way that food from an unusual or untested

ingredients
2 Rabbits (skinned & gutted) 2 large carrots. 2 medium parsnips 1 medium swede/turnip 2 medium onions 4 cloves of garlic 1 cup of frozen garden peas 4 bay leaves A handful of fresh rosemary 2 tsp of dried mixed herbs 2 tbsp flour 50ml oil 75cl white wine (optional) Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste. Method Pre-heat oven to 200c/400f/gas mark 6. Wash rabbits & pat dry with kitchen paper. Brush inside & out with the oil, stuff with the onions quartered, the garlic, the bay leaves & the rosemary. Place stuffed rabbits in a large lidded casserole dish & roast with the lid on for 1 hour, 45mins, or until cooked. After roasting the rabbits allow to cool down & then remove as much of the meat from the bones as possible. Set aside the cooked onions with the meat. Place the rabbit bones, the remains off the garlic, rosemary & the bay leaves into a large saucepan & cover with 1-2ltrs water. Place saucepan with the lid on, on the hob, bring to the boil & then simmer for as long as possible. This is the going to be the stock with which the casserole is made. Strain off stock & put to one side. Discard bones & what remains. Place casserole dish on the hob, add the oil & let it get hot, throw in the onions that had previously been set aside & brown them off slightly, mix in the flour making sure that it dissolves into the oil & that there are no lumps, add the wine if using & allow the alcohol content to be cooked off. Add the rabbit meat, the carrots, parsnips & swede/turnip (cut in to 1 inch chunks) & the frozen peas, cover with the home-made rabbit stock. Put in the dried mixed herbs, season with salt & pepper to taste. Give a good stir until everything is well mixed together. Put in oven, with the lid off at the same temperature as before, for 1 & a half hours or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the top has lightly browned.

source could prove to be dangerous. I knew though where these rabbits had came from & that they were perfectly safe to eat & yet I was becoming increasingly uncomfortable about eating them. A few days ago, deciding to face my fears & because the deadline for work to be submitted was looming, I took the rabbits from the freezer & set off for the shops to buy the ingredients. Yesterday afternoon feeling increasingly apprehensive, I cooked them & last night with the support of a few friends I ate them. The result delicious, very much like chicken (I know, thats what everyone says when theyre describing the way unusual meat tastes!). In fact so much like chicken that had I not known it was rabbit I would never have guessed. Would I eat it again?, most definitely, so much so that if rabbit can be bought for less than chicken, it will become a regular addition to my normal shopping list. I would certainly encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to buy & try rabbit ,to do so. For anyone whos interested in how I cooked the rabbit, here is my recipe for Thrifty Rabbit Casserole Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a hefty chunk of crusty bread.

14 Book news & reviews

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

Dhi Book club

DHI Book Club meets on the first Monday of each month to discuss a book read during the preceding month. In this section, Jim timoney aims to present a brief review of some recent Book Club titles, including his own opinions about them.
Dhi BooK CluB: BooK oF the issue

the life of Mahatma Gandhi

by louis Fischer (Harper/Collins edition, 1997) l This Book Club joint preference was for a biography of someone we admired and the decision was to go for one on Gandhi, so the above, originally published in 1951 by Jonathan Cape Ltd, was chosen. Due to it being a somewhat weighty tome of over 600 pages, plus the onset of Christmas, illness and holidays, we spread the study of it over several months. Such a lengthy book on such a serious subject about such a long life could be considered quite heavy by some. I didnt find it so for the most part as it was obviously written with the average reader in mind, rather than as a textbook. Furthermore, I had the advantage of having studied Gandhi and India, albeit many years ago for what were then called GCEs, as well as having read further about the subject, seen the excellent film and watched TV documentaries, all of which gave me a good background from which to start. The author, having met and spent time with Gandhi and some of his contemporaries, is a good source of knowledge about the man, the mahatma, his life, beliefs, works and achievements. Fischer first takes us through Gandhis formative years, his training in law as a young man in England and his twenty years practising it in South Africa. Whilst there, he took up the cause of the poorly treated Asian immigrants, fighting the injustices they suffered with a great deal of success in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. On his return to India, he became a major figure in the long struggle towards Indian independence from centuries of British rule. Over and above this important matter, though, was his passion for nonviolence, whatever the provocation. Fischer describes Gandhis lifelong dedication to this underlying principle, often backed up by his many fasts, sometimes almost to death. His unflagging spirit as he fought such injustices as the salt tax, the plight of the Untouchables and the violent Hindu/ Moslem divide earned him the worship of millions of his fellow Indians and the respect of many in the outside world. Finally leading us to Indias independence soon after World War Two, Fischer describes Gandhis disappointment over the way in which his beloved India was partitioned into India and a split Pakistan. The Father of his Country was dismayed by it, particularly by the large-scale eruption of violence between Hindus and Moslems. Gandhi felt that the Indians had betrayed the code of non-violence which had always been more important to him than anything else, even the ultimate goal of independence. Fischer calls the outcome of Gandhis thirty-two years of struggle as an inglorious end and a victory with tragedy..an army defeating its own general. The division of India occurred on religious lines between Hindu and Moslem regions, which were in reality impossible to define adequately. The ensuing violence, tantamount to civil war, was, like so many wars and conflicts, ultimately all in the name of God, whatever its other aspects. India and Pakistan (the eastern part of the latter eventually became Bangladesh) are still at loggerheads sixty years later. Gandhi chose not even to participate in the independence celebrations of 15 August 1947. He realised all too clearly that for so many years he had been adored by millions as a Christ-like figure, a mahatma; his worshippers believed more in Gandhi than in his principles. In conclusion, I recommend this biography to anyone interested in the life of Gandhi and the story of Indias struggle towards independence. My only warning is to remember that it is rather long; I advise taking it in small doses, as I did. Jim Timoney

Coming soon!
More goodies from the Dhi book club...

15

non BooK CluB revieWs

Fatal neglect/the Quest For anastasia

by David n. thomas (Seren, 2008)/J. Klier and h. Mingay (Smith Gryphon, 1995) Fatal neglect l This other nonBook Club item is an interesting account of the death of Dylan Thomas in 1953. It killed the myth Id believed for about forty years (along with virtually everyone else) that Dylan just drank himself to death. Dylan Thomas was undoubtedly a very heavy drinker; the author does not set out to deny that. He does, however, conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the doubts and cover-ups that have arisen over the years. His conclusion is that the circumstances and causes of Dylans death were far more complicated than those of an alcoholic who finally went over the top. This book describes how an exhausting lecture tour of the States was taking its toll on an already ill Dylan in the weeks before his death. The author believes that a combination of neglect and error were responsible and he examines closely the actions of the people involved and implicated. These actions include a delay in getting Dylan to hospital, wrongly administered morphine and the ignoring of pre-existing chest conditions (bronchitis and pneumonia). I was surprised and shocked by the authors findings and conclusions. I studied Dylan Thomas as part of A level English many years ago and came to love his way with words. There is no doubt he was an excellent and skilful writer and poet; by all accounts he was also a brilliant and interesting speaker. Despite his reputation as a heavy drinker, for his death to have been attributed for fifty years solely to alcoholism was to do the man an injustice. I am glad to have come across this book which at last puts the record straight; I only hope that many more people read it. Jim Timoney the Quest for anastasia l Having spent so long over the Gandhi biography and lacking another Book Club choice, I have chosen this fascinating book from the library. It outlines the long-running case of a woman claiming to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia. The Romanov dynasty ended with the Russian Revolution when the Communists took over in 1917; Nicholas and his family were executed the following year. Just a few years later, the intriguing story of Anna Anderson began. The woman who soon claimed to be Anastasia first surfaced (literally!) when she was pulled from a canal in Berlin following a suicide attempt. She then spent some time in a mental hospital while people tried to establish her identity. Several possibilities were investigated but none proved conclusive; in time, she came to be known as Anna Anderson. Over the next sixty years, she gathered many supporters of her claim to be the Grand Duchess and was confronted by various people who had known Anastasia or who knew her background. None, however, could either prove or disprove Annas claim. After her death in 1984, the controversy continued. In 1993, the bodies of the Romanov family were confirmed to have been discovered in the Russian Urals. The following year, a DNA test proved that Anastasia was indeed killed with the rest of her family in 1918. Despite some of her followers still clinging to their belief in Annas claim and the fact that Anna almost certainly believed it herself, the Grand Duchess Anastasia was finally laid to rest sixteen years ago. I enjoyed this account of a story which has long fascinated me. I had often heard about it over the years and seen the popular film of Anna/Anastasias life. This well-researched book filled in some of the gaps and helped me understand the whole history better. Jim Timoney

Past reviews
Below are just a few of the books previously reviewed in this section. Readers might like to know that most of the books reviewed may be borrowed free by DHI Service Users from the DHI computer/coffee room. Brave neW WorlD by aldous huxley (OTW16) l A classic of twentieth century literature, Huxleys futuristic depiction of humankind still makes a fascinating read. i,Pierre seel, DePorteD hoMosexual by Pierre seel (OTW16) l This harrowing account of a gay mans treatment in a Nazi concentration camp and as a conscript in the German army in World War 2 is as bitter an indictment of Hitlers vicious regime as Ive ever read. one FleW over the CuCKoos nest by Ken Kesey (OTW15) l Set in a psychiatric ward, the novel and DVD were reviewed together. Both gave a frank and insightful look into the subject; opinions vary as to which did it best. aniMal FarM by George orwell (OTW13) l Another classic of the twentieth century, whether read for fun or on a more political level. one shot by lee Child (OTW15) l A non-Book Club choice, I enjoyed this crime novel enough to review it. Childs main character, Jack Reacher, is a law unto himself, being neither a private eye nor a police detective he is just Jack, a former military policeman who takes on the bad guys.

16 Feature: Fishing Club

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

Grab your tackle!

Climbing, barges and boats.

ollowing client consultation throughout January we are pleased to be able to announce that DHI has its very own fishing club. Posters were displayed for several weeks to try and gauge what demand there might be for a fishing club. Many service users expressed interest and so we were able to secure enough funding to afford enough tackle for five clients to fish at any one time. We also approached the Environment Agency for Rod Licences (a legal requirement for anyone freshwater fishing) which they granted us free of charge. Bathampton Angling Association has also agreed to let us fish both the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Avon free of charge. For those of you who expressed interest during consultation please drop into DHI and ask to speak to either Sam Blacker or Sean Kehoe about when the next fishing trip is taking place and we will do are best to get you along. If you didnt put your name down earlier but perhaps have a spark of interest here are a few reasons why you might consider coming along and giving fishing a try... l When you are fishing time as you know it changes; everything slows down as you

notice things happening around you which you would ordinarily let pass you by. Little clues about where fish might be feeding and how best to catch them are found in changes in habitat and weather that only the fisherman is tuned into. Many people find this to be a very relaxing experience, similar in many ways to meditation. l The successful fisherman gets to come into contact with creatures that many people have never seen. How many non-fishermen can say theyve seen a Roach, Perch, Pike or Barbell? Our waterways are a very bio-diverse habitat yet one which is quite hard to observe. l Reacting to subtle changes in season, weather and habitat and making alterations to your tactics accordingly requires a certain amount of problem solving. It is very engaging trying to solve these piscatorial problems. l Many people never find the time or an excuse to spend time outdoors. Angling is a really good way of taking the time to immerse yourself in your natural surroundings The list goes on... We are lucky enough to live in an area with some top quality fishing venues so please make use of the DHI fishing club and get out there and catch some fish!

unhooking your fish

The quick and easy method by Andy Evans l The use of barbless hooks makes the task a lot easier as the fish can be unhooked much quicker and importantly causing less damage to the fish. When unhooking, wet hands or a damp cloth to hold the fish is important as the mucus or slime the fish produces helps protect it. The use of a fish disgorger for fish hooked further down the throat is the best tool to use and can be purchased at minimal cost. Fish hooked in the mouth can be removed easily with forceps or maybe your fingers depending on competence. When the hook has been removed, lower the fish gently into the water and let it recover. The fish will then swim away unharmed. Never throw a fish back as this can stun or kill the fish. If a fish has a hook that is very awkward to retrieve cut the line as close to the hook as possible. The hook will rust away after a week or so and no lasting harm will be done.

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

17

Feature: Client story

i drank & smoked, i abused myself for the hell of it

Ex-service user sally tells us her story...

rowing up today meant sacrifice, needs what they were one day were no longer true another. Although they were met by my parents, I thought they were unreasonable and that I could do better. Basic needs water, food, comfort of clothing, hygiene and love. All provided by my parents. The rules were simple, respect and care about each other would mean we would have a happy home. Apparently I had other ideas. NO CONSIDERATION. Sick children lost to illness, heads sad and lonely, in pain, tummies full with worms and African children lost in death while we struggled and argued that I had to be home by 9 oclock. What a pathetic mixed up world. Band Aid the extra, Oxfam the images, the anger that I felt at the grown ups for being responsible for all this suffering and the teachers all moaned if we wore the wrong coloured top. Did they not know that THERE WAS SUFFERING, children were dying and we had school. The hypercritical world of hate and war, The Falkland Conflict in the 1980s, the anger of the miners strikes - the closures and of the railways facing privatisation. How can we lift our heads and be proud to be human. I drank and smoked, I abused myself for the hell of it. My life was no more important than these that are suffering and we are supposed to be civilised and with human kindness, I lost faith. Hot and angry, I spent my days cursing my parents embarrassed anger

and misery. I left home only to return pregnant. Left only to come home with a 9 month old baby and pregnant. I felt shame. But still the media played the pain and hurt campaigns to save. I was lost inside my own anger, my own self loathing to find any strength to care for others. Playing games, life is a game. I spell my name Sally Ann it is little princess grace in Hebrew. How grace fully we weave our webs, how we take our needs and devour our families and their beliefs and blame them to satisfy our own needs to feel ok. And blame god or society instead of taking our time to heal. So again I leave home and try again to live my dream in a place full of others trying to forget their hurt and pain. All I want to do is party, to get stoned and have fun. But meanwhile I have children who have needs. Providing a home and safety for them, Eddy and Maryanne. I had a caravan. Winter and found I had made it; I was actually there in a place that was ok. I had friends support..the caravan burnt down, I discovered I had no friend in Sally. I tore down all help offered, I ran with the crew that gave me drugs, I sold drugs, begged on streets for money to support my need for heroin. Providing a home and safety for them, Eddy and Maryanne. I failed. My parents loved my children, they loved them enough to step in and say no Sally you will not ruin their lives, they have needs, we have needs for them, we

respect them as human beings. Backwards my name spells YLLAS which said quickly spells Y lass as in Yorkshire where my grandma lived where we would spend a week each year where I was happy she would say to me I cant remember only she loved me. Looking at my like backwards it really does appear to have been one drug party. Needs I thought I had to have to be someone to be ok. To cover up the fact I am a hypocrite when I need something I turn to my parents. I need their love I have earned their respect back and it makes me so proud to understand that they never did not love me, it was me, I never loved myself. What happened to my environment were crack, smack, cannabis, ecstasy pills and alcohol, speed all mixed up in chemical compound that was my life, all feeling, all expression condensed into nothing, barely existence. From the age of 9 years old when I smoked my first cigarette in the need to grow up and be adult I have broken everything I hold dear. My heart, my love, my honour, my self worth, my peace, my gratitude, my life just so I can get that next high.

18 Joke and Poems

Why does it take three women with PMT to change a lightbulB? It just does bloody does alright!
Neighbour 1: The police came past yesterday to say your dog was chasing a bloke on a bike... Neighbour 2: Thats not my dog, he hasnt got a bike.

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

untitled
by Anon You grow up with ringing in your ears, Perhaps a buddhist monastery Looking at what I see, New to earth a place to discover Drinking alcohol, mainly brandy and beer, What is this drink I am not allowed it makes my mum and dad laugh out loud Huge amount of Dunhills cigarettes in a ruby red packet, They smell but they are so attractive the boxes are like gold Sticks of brown and white, Everyone has them why should not I Riding my bike onto a field to spark the matches, I am alone I am grown Carefully striking the match sucking and inhaling the smoke, This is what I have to do no one will see or know Letting it go, It is too late I have done it I see the haze it takes me I am caught This is how it is to be grown up, How can it be so miss understood

how many dyslexics does it take to change a liggetty bub?

Bono (on Stage): Every time I click my fingers, a child in Africa dies. Heckler: Well, stop clicking your bloody fingers then!

think you can do better? any contributions ... off the Wall Magazine 15/16 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE tel 01225 329411 email offthewall@drugsandhomeless.org.uk

Patient to doctor: Every morning I feel like a teepee and in the afternoons I fell like a wigwam... Doctor: Im afraid youre too tense.

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

19

Feature: start

sports teamwork and recreational training

Youre never to old to START...

y name is Mick. Lets put you in the picture of where I came from and where I am today. I have gone from spending most of my life and thats a bloody long time a chronic alcoholic whose most important part of the day was a visit to the off license, to a valued commodity in and around my home here in Bath. These things and changes in my life did not come totally by accident, more by roads I chose to accept. I came to Bath after a five month spell in a treatment centre and thank god landed at the doors of DHI. I knew that if I wanted continued worth of myself and others I had to make an effort. It was not easy and sometimes is still not. A fifteen month spell in a dry house followed, which brought up trials and tribulations a plenty. I also undertook treatment for HEP/C INTERFERON which tried its best to cripple me - and it nearly did. I could no longer do the sporting things I loved the most and even shopping was too much some days. Luckily through DHI and people I met through DHI and some very special friends they know who they are I recovered from a brief yet major relapse. My outlook on life had to change yet again. I started to value myself in other peoples eyes and more importantly, my own. I also needed a spark to ignite what I had to offer. It came through friends ideas and sport. Steve Brindle, who I have known now for 3 years, had been nurturing an idea for most of that time had started getting responses from the community. Remembering I had watched him, his struggles and his bloody persistence trying

to change the life for others, I could see effort was needed to change - real effort - real belief. This enterprise he has called START. It is to help the vulnerable, the shunned, the people with addictions and without, to learn to engage in worthwhile occupations doing daily activities, learning social skills and enjoying stuff they may never have had the chance to do before. I wanted to help and through his pushing of me have become Chairman of his new enterprise. I assist him taking golf, sometime filling in when he cant make it or just helping when groups become too big for one person. I also play for the football team locally and am looking forward to playing for a future side that will be financed through START. Making these efforts has helped me get up and do stuff. I now do voluntary work twice a week along with golf, football and AA meetings. Life is good today - Steves dream inspired me and you will probably hear the name START soon. I am growing with it but it will out grow and out live me but that can only be good for our society. Its never too late to START. If you want to get involved in START, contact steve Brindle on 0790 161 2451 or brinz@hotmail.co.uk

tart s
rk rts teamwo spo l recreationa and training

20

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

Whats on: Dhi Bath & ne somerset

Bath & ne somerset services
MonDay 10.00 - 2.00pm 2.30 - 4.00pm 3.00 - 5.00pm 5.30 - 6.30pm 6.45 - 8.00pm tuesDay 10.00 - 12.00pm 12.00 - 2.00pm 12.30 - 2.00pm 2.30 - 6.30pm WeDnesDay 12.00 - 2.00pm 2.00 - 4.00pm thursDay 12.30 - 2.00pm 2.00 - 10.00pm 2.30 - 4.00pm 6.00 - 7.00pm FriDay 12.30 - 2.00pm 2.30 - 4.00pm 5.00 - 6.00pm saturDay Gardening Group arts and Craft Group abstinence Group housing Drop-in Book Club (1st Monday of each month) Football Womens Group off the Wall Magazine (Hay Hill Church) a Chance to Change Positive Change Gardening Group topic Workshops a Chance to Change Polarity therapy Positive Change relapse Prevention support Group Battle against tranquillizers abstinence Group Baad auricular acupuncture a ChanCe to ChanGe What Pleasures Does Your Drug Use Bring You? What Difficulties Does It Take Away ? What Problems Does It Add To Your Life? What Good Things Does It Take Away? l This group aims to assist people to make their own choices about what, if anything, they wish to change about their substance use. l This is a rolling group which takes new clients on a weekly basis. Positive ChanGes How Can I Manage Cravings? How Can I Manage Tempting Thoughts? How Can I Develop My Confidence And Coping Skills? What Might Get In The Way? What Else Might Help You Achieve This? How Will I Keep This Going? l This offers clients the opportunity to develop and manage their plans for change, overcoming obstacles and developing commitment. l This group takes new clients every six weeks. aBstinenCe What Is The Next Step? How Can I Increase Importance Without Adding Stress? How Can I Build A Lifestyle To Support My Recovery? What Are My Triggers And How Can I Manage These? How Can I Prevent Lapses Becoming Relapses? l This group aims to support people who have identified abstinence as a goal. This group takes new clients every six weeks. WorKshoPs @ Dhi Series Of Three Sessions Focusing On Topics That Interact With Changes Around Substance Use. topics are: Becoming Assertive; Improving Self-esteem; Managing Emotions; Managing Stress WoMens GrouP Drop - In Womens Support Group relaPse Prevention suPPort GrouP Drop In Talking Support Group For Abstinent Clients. BrieF 1-1 CounsellinG An Opportunity To Explore Drug Or Alcohol Use 1-1 With A Counsellor, Either To Help You Arrive At Your Decision Or To Maintain Progress. l This service is available most days and some Evenings.

off the Wall No.17, Spring 2010

21

Whats on: Dhi swindon & south Glos.

south Glos. services
tower road north, Warmley MonDay 10.00 - 1.00pm 11.30 - 12.30pm 1.00 - 2.30pm 6.30 - 7.30pm 7.30 - 8.30pm tuesDay 1.00 - 2.30pm 6.00 - 7.30pm 7.30 - 8.30pm WeDnesDay 11.30 - 12.00pm 12.30 - 1.00pm 1.00 - 2.30pm 3.00 - 4.00pm thursDay 10.00 - 12.00pm 1.00 - 2.00pm 7.00 - 8.30pm FriDay 10.00 - 11.30am 11.30 - 12.30pm 1.00 - 2.00pm 2pm 2.30 - 4.00pm art Course acupuncture open Group Peer support Group acupuncture alcohol Course Group three acupuncture acupuncture Client lunch (provided) into action Group Client activity housing Clinic CJit alcohol impact Programme (aiP) Family Group harm reduction Clinic acupuncture Meditation healthy lunch Club stimulant Group

swindon services
MonDay 10.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 11.30 - 1.00pm tuesDay 10.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 11.30 - 1.00pm WeDnesDay 10.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 11.30 - 1.00pm thursDay 10.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm FriDay 10.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 11.00 - 2.00pm 1:1 session Drop-in triage stimulant Group 1:1 session Drop-in triage thought into action 1:1 session Drop-in triage relapse Prevention 1:1 session (women only) Drop-in (women only) triage (women only) 1:1 session Drop-in triage

the Bungalow, Yate (pictured, right) MonDay 1.00 - 5.00pm tuesDay 11.30 - 12.30pm 1.00 - 2.00pm 7.00 - 8.30pm WeDnesDay 11.30 - 12.30pm 1.00 - 2.00pm thursDay 1.30 - 2.30pm 3.00 - 4.30pm 5.00 - 6.00pm 6.00 - 7.15pm FriDay 11.00 - 12.30pm throughCare Drop-in acupuncture open Group Family Group acupuncture Womens Group Clinet lunch (provided) into action Group acupuncture relapse Prevention Group alcohol Course

1:1 Sessions - Other appointments outside of these times are available to you at a place of your convenience. Triage - An initial assessment can be completed over the phone Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5pm. Call us on 0800 970 4830. This number is free from call boxes and landlines.

how we listen and respond to service users at Dhi

l DHI listens to its Service Users to ensure they experience the best possible service during treatment. To help us do this we need feedback from you on all aspects of our work including how you have think you have been treated and what you think about activities and services on offer. Feed back can be given in many forms for example compliments, complaints, suggestions and there is a range of ways in which service users can be involved, express their views and give meaningful feedback to help us improve their experience of DHI and our services: reception and in the computer/ coffee room. Again these can be used anonymously and are checked daily and a response is given within 5 days. notice Board There is also a notice board in the internet area where you can post your views and where we will display all feed back with responses given. surveys DHI uses surveys as a method of obtaining feed back about its services which are a mixture of service specific questionnaires and exit surveys used when service users leave our services. Sometimes we do this in one to ones Staff are always happy to receive your comments service users Forum This is a and compliments at meetings Service User led forum that meets with them, this is particularly four times a year to discuss any important at the point you view issues or concerns and agree your careplan with us. Any action they would like to see taken comments you give us will be Focus Groups From time to time passed on to team leaders. where there are specific areas we Complaints Complaints are might need more detailed feed another means of giving us back on we might call one off your feed back; if you are very meetings to obtain your views unhappy with our service Website We have recently had then you may wish to use our our website completely revised complaints procedure available and updated. We have a section from reception or your worker. for Feedback and ask you to use Any feedback you give us will be this section for any thoughts or used to influence our services and suggestions you may have about how we deliver them. Last year the service you are receiving at you told us you wanted a sink DHI. We would also appreciate installed in our internet area in your thoughts on our new website Bath and one was installed. in terms of design, layout and We now need your views on user friendliness. www.dhithe Service Users Charter on online.org.uk this page. You can let us have suggestions Box - We have two suggestions boxes situated on your comments by talking to the wall outside reception and a worker, posting them on the in the computer/coffee room. DHIs notice board or any of the This is a popular and where ways listed above. required anonymous way for Sean Kehoe, our Service User service users to compliment, Development Worker, is keen suggest or comment. Boxes are to ensure your views are heard. checked daily and a response Please feel free to pop in for a is posted on the notice board chat or give him a ring on 01225 within 5 days. 329411 on Tuesday, Thursday Comments Book Similar to the and Friday mornings. He is suggestions box, there are two based in the computer room at comments books situated outside DHIs Bath offices.

We would like to invite you to the launch of the service user involvement strategy
a chance to help be a part of shaping your treatment.
thursday 3rd June from 3pm - 6pm st Mary the virgin Church
Darlington street, Bathwick (Bottom of Bathwick hill) Barbecue, refreshments and entertainment provided Children Welcome the Dhi Choir is back and will perform on the day. every thursday in May from 4.15pm choir practice will be held at st Michaels Without Church, Broad street.

Dhi service users Charter of rights

As a DHI service user you have the right to... an individual assessment of your needs. Some DHI services have to run a waiting list as a result of the large numbers of referrals we receive. We will endeavour to keep waiting times to a minimum. an individual Care Plan. This will clearly specify the targets you wish to achieve while working with the DHI. You will be fully involved in the writing and reviewing of the Care Plan information. You will be informed of service options, and will be fully involved in making decisions about the service you receive. respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality. In exceptional circumstances information may be divulged to others. If this is the case, you will receive a full explanation and wherever possible we will seek your permission. advocacy. Your DHI key worker will provide this. If this is not possible or appropriate, we will refer you to an appropriate source of advocacy. Complain. The complaints procedure is available to all DHI clients. If you need help with your complaint, we will ensure that this is given to you. information about self-help groups and drug user advocacy groups. We will provide you with information about groups in the area. We will also make any appropriate referrals on your behalf.

useful info.

national contacts
Alcohol concern 0207 9287377 Alliance, the (methadone) 02083 744395 Cannabis Hemp Information Club 0145 8835769 Cocaine www.cocaine.org Date Rape Drugs www.roofile.com Drugscope www.drugscope.org.uk Drug Education Training 0117 99415810 Ecstasy. Org www.ecstasy.org Erowid www.erwid.org Good Drugs Guide www.thegooddrugsguide.com Green Party Drugs Group 0171 7370100 Hemp UK 0186 5311151 Hit www.Hit.org.uk Howard league For Penal Reform 0171 2817722 Justice For Woman 0181 3403699 Lifeline www.lifeline.org.uk Mainliners 0201 5825434 Medical Marijuana Foundation 0157 9346592 National Alcohol Helpline 0345 320202 National Drugs Helpline 0800 776600 National Sexual Health/HIV 0800 5671123 Oxfordshire User Team 0800 0320829 Project LSD 0171 2881500 Release www.release.org.uk/bust.html Re-Solv www.re-solv.org Traffasi 02085 339563 Transform Box 59, 82 Colston Street, Bristol. BS1

local contacts
head office and Bath area office Drugs and Homeless Iniative 15-16 Milsom Street Bath BA1 1DE tel 01225 329411 fax 01225 334734 email info@dhibath.org.uk Developing health & independence 31 Monmouth St Bath BA1 2AN tel: 01225 334185 (Counselling Service: 01225 422156) fax: 01225 465774 email: info@dhibath.org.uk Dhi south Gloucestershire South Glos Drug & Alcohol Service 130 Tower Road North Warmley BS30 8XN Freephone: 0800 0733011 Information & Brokerage: 0800 1955784 tel 01454 868750 fax 01454 868755 email info@dhisouthglos.org.uk Dhi swindon The Old School House Maxwell St Swindon SN1 5DR Freephone: 0800 9704830 tel 01793 617177 fax 01793 486591 email info@dhiswindon.org.uk Dhi Kingswood Office 10 Kingswood Foundation Bristol, BS15 8BD yate treatment Centre The Bungalow 24a North Road Yate BS37 7PA Tel: 01454 273643 Email: info@dhisouthglos.org.uk