Residents have been told it will be ‘business as usual’ for local drug and alcohol support services after the contract was taken over by a new provider at the start of the month.
The contract to provide drug and alcohol community services was previously run by Bath charity Developing Health & Independence (DHI), but has been awarded by B&NES Council to national charity Turning Point for the next five years.
Rosie Phillips, chief executive of DHI, said that she would do “everything in her power” to make sure the transition was seamless for users of the services, and she stressed that DHI would remain a key part of local life in Bath and beyond.
She explained: “In addition to drug and alcohol support, we run many other services across B&NES, and these will not be affected by the changes.
“We remain one of the largest social inclusion charities in the area, and our work is as vital as ever.
“I am sure there will be many future opportunities to collaborate with Turning Point for the benefit of those we serve.
“DHI remains part of the treatment system through services like Burlington Street supported housing, the Peer Academy, employment support (IPS) and delivery of mental health treatment requirements.
“We plan to continue to support young people through support for schools and we will also be there to ensure as many as possible have a safe place to call home – whether with the support of Reach, or through supported housing or Home Turf Lettings. If you need us, you know where we are!”
Nat Travis, National Head of Service for Substance Use at Turning Point, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver drug and alcohol services to the people of Bath and North East Somerset.
“Turning Point is committed to delivering high quality, accessible services for those impacted by drug or alcohol use including people affected by someone else’s substance use.
“We are grateful to DHI for their work to ensure continuity of care during the transition period.
“We look forward to working with partners and people supported by the service to continue to develop our offer over the months and years to come.”
Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for Adult Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, added: “We greatly value the work and services of DHI and are pleased that they will continue to provide vital support for residents, we also welcome Turning Point as an important new provider in Bath & North East Somerset.”
DHI recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and has supported thousands of local people through difficult times, turning lives around across the city.
DHI is hosting its annual Reach Out conference for the families and loved ones of those affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. This year’s event will be on Thursday 12th June.
