Health and wellbeing
Alcohol and drugs service shows support for armed forces community
Published on
An alcohol and drugs service in Walsall town centre extended its support to the armed forces community as part of this year’s Remembrance events.
The Beacon, provided by Change Grow Live and funded by Walsall Council Public Health to offer alcohol and drug treatment support, have recently been engaging with service users who identify as ex-service personnel or a veteran, as well as family members whose relatives have been involved in conflict or war.
Staff recently met with veterans to gather feedback and strengthen partnerships. On Remembrance Sunday, they came together to participate in the Walsall town centre’s annual service, with one attendee describing the event as emotional and reflective.
Residents who may have previously served in the armed forces or know someone who has served are being encouraged to come forward for alcohol and drugs support.
“ Veterans have specific support needs and experience higher levels of substance use and health issues. They are also less likely to seek support, which is why it is important to raise awareness of the health and wellbeing services that our armed forces community can access in confidence and in a non-judgmental manner. If you have previously served in the armed forces or know someone who has and needs support, please encourage them to reach out to The Beacon. “
“ I am delighted to hear about the work that local organisations like The Beacon are doing to ensure ex-service personnel and their families can access support to look after their health. Around 2.2% of the Walsall population is identified as a veteran or reservist, equating to around 6,500 people (Office for National Statistics). We have already pledged our support to the armed forces community, and we will continue to work with our partners and local organisations to support current and former service personnel and their families in the local area. “
“ Change Grow Live is committed to supporting our UK Armed Forces veterans and their families. Our consultation and breakfast events demonstrate that we are here to listen and assist veterans and their families in accessing the support that they require. We will also continue to develop and build on our commitment towards the Armed Forces Covenant and ensure our services are accessible to anyone who needs them. “
For more information about the services offered by The Beacon, please contact thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk or call 01922 669840.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- Walsall Council is a silver award recipient of the Armed Forces Covenant. Armed forces have also been recognised as a protected characteristic in Walsall. Advice, support and help for armed forces personnel, veterans and their families is available on the council website.
- Change Grow Live has a dedicated webpage on their veterans’ support.
- Change Grow Live (CGL) offer free and confidential advice to help you to cut down or stop drinking or taking drugs. They can also give you the advice to help you stay safe and healthy. They are based at St. Matthew’s Quarter in Walsall town centre.
- Support includes:
- structured alcohol and drug treatment intervention programmes with a keyworker and shared-care services based at GP surgeries
- criminal justice interventions
- specialist needle exchange
- blood borne virus screening and vaccination
- harm reduction interventions
- access to mutual aid services, for example Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Family Anonymous, SMART Recovery
- Residents can refer themselves or professionals can refer clients to the service online at: https://www.changegrowlive.org/the-beacon-walsall/referrals. Under 18s should be referred.
