A BRADFORD service has helped thousands of people experiencing issues with alcohol and other drugs in its first year.
New Vision - which offers free, confidential and non-judgemental support for anyone living in the district - began operating in April 2023.
Around 3,500 people are receiving formal treatment and over 350 people have successfully left the service with their goals reached, which for most means living an alcohol or drug-free life.
Staff and volunteers work with each person providing structured one-to-one and group support, clinical interventions, and advice for families.
45 volunteers have been trained to offer this crucial support in the last year and together they have given 9529 hours of their time.
'It has given me the confidence to do things I would never have done'
A service user said: “Since going to New Vision Bradford my life has changed for the better.
"I have friends now that I can call if I’m struggling, and they know they can call me if they are struggling.
"New Vision Bradford has given me the confidence to do things I would never have done in the past.
"I can now go for a meal or meeting with my friends and I’m happy having a soft drink. Something I thought I would never be able to say”.
It works in an integrated way with people to support access to safe and secure housing, employment, and a rough sleeper team.
Becky Norton, Assistant Director for New Vision Bradford, said: “I feel really proud of the service, all our partners and the hard work the team have put in over the last year.
"It has been fantastic to be reminded of the number of people we have supported as well as all the events and initiatives we have been involved in."
'This is just the beginning'
Joe Kean, Interim Joint Commissioning Manager (Public Health) Bradford Council, added: “Year one for the service has been a very positive building block for our plans to support the residents of Bradford and Airedale with alcohol and drug needs.
"We’ve turned around a decline in treatment numbers and are supporting around 3500 people in formal treatment and many many more with varying needs.
“However, year one is just the beginning; in the current climate of a seemingly ever-increasing cost of living, many people are struggling and we are committed alongside our partners to providing a service the district deserves and we are confident that this is reflected in the investment plans for this new financial year with the provision of more resource and some innovative areas of work.”
For advice, help, or support contact 01274 296023 or visit https://newvisionbradford.org.uk
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