As we pray for those battling addictions during this month of April, I thought it might be helpful to look at some of the organisations which are seeking to help these people and their families.
Barnsley Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service works with those struggling with addictions and since 2011 has been involved in the ‘Recovery Service’, offering long-term help in the form of social enterprise. The joinery workshop is involved in:
* Making products such as toy boxes and garden furniture
* Learning bench joinery skills
* Opportunities to enrol on a City & Guilds training course
* Decorating small wooden plaques and other small wooden items
* Learning a technique called pyrography (the art of wood burning)
* Recycling and revamping unwanted items of wooden furniture
* Selling the products at events and market stalls
BADAS can be contacted on 0845 3473733 or by email (info@badas.org.uk)
DrugTrain delivers high quality training solutions equipping people with the skills and knowledge to enable those affected by drug and alcohol problems to achieve a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Betel UK is a Christian charity dedicated to restoring homeless and long-term unemployed people to healthy, independent lifestyles. They train men and women in a wide range of life and employment skills, enabling them to rebuild a strong work ethic. They provide residences for people struggling with addictions which are drug- and alcohol-free and totally free of charge, based in Birmingham, Derby, Hexham, Manchester, Nottingham, Watford and in Dublin.
Care For the Family runs training courses on a variety of issues, including ‘How To Drug Proof Your Kids’.
Other local agencies helping with addictions are:
* Barnsley NHS Stop Smoking Service (Tel: 01226 737077 or talk with your local GP)
* Samaritans (Tel: 01226 202222)
National agencies can be contacted:
* Alcohol Concern (Tel: 02072 640510)
* Beating Eating Disorders Association (Tel: 08456 341414, Youth Line: 0845 634 7650; web B-EAT)
* Drinkline (Tel: 0800 917 8242)
* DrugScope (Tel:02075 207550)
* Alcoholics Anonymous
We need to pray for these organisations and for all who work with those struggling with addictions.