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Today, Wednesday 7 October, at 2.30pm, Presbyterian Moderator Dr John Dixon will open a £60,000 extension to Carlisle House, a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit established 6 years ago by the Presbyterian Church and situated at 2-4 Henry Street just off Carlisle Circus in Belfast.
The two story extension provides a large 'group room' where support groups can meet more comfortably than at present and a recreation room for residents to relax in and has been funded by Belfast European Partnership. Former residents have helped too and at today's opening, Carlisle House Director Mrs Helen Harrison will be presented with a cheque for £1000 raised by them to be put towards the cost of recreational equipment.
Since it opened the 12 bed unit has had over 300 clients undertaking its 8 week residential programmes based on group work and individual counselling. During that time it has continuously expanded its services to now include a help line and support groups for ex-residents, for problem drinkers and relatives. Regular information evenings last year were attended by over 1500 people and recently Carlisle House opened Belfast's first drug information 'shop' called Insight at 107 Upper North Street where literature, advice and professional help are available Mon-Fri between 2 and 5pm.
Speaking at the opening will be former director and now consultant to Carlisle House Dr Anne Watts who pays tribute to the hard work of the staff in overcoming initial difficulties. 'Staff worked hard to overcome these and to build up the comprehensive and highly regarded range of services now in existence for addicts and their families.'
Dr Watts also sounds a warning note concerning the increasing number of women attending for treatment. 'The percentage of women has increased from 26%of those seen in 1995 to 38% in 1998, and in the last six months for the first time the number of women admitted has exceeded the number of men.'
Last month in another initiative of the Presbyterian Church the first volunteers in a drug preventative education programme began their training to equip them to go into churches, youth groups, schools etc., throughout Ireland, to promote the anti drug message.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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