New Salvation Army scheme to target drug abuse

A new, five-year strategic plan to tackle drug and alcohol misuse is to be unveiled by the Salvation Army. The announcement, to be made in Stirling, will detail the charity’s expansion of social work to help people achieve long term recovery in Scottish communities.
Phase one of the programme will see experienced drug and alcohol workers placed in three “key” towns identified by the charity – Greenock, Stirling and Falkirk.

This long term recovery support will take the form of the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), a holistic method which uses the community to encourage a change in a person’s drinking habits or drug use.

The CRA was introduced by Professor Robert Meyers, who has delivered training to the Salvation Army’s specialist drug and alcohol project staff.

The programme, which has already proved successful with the Salvation Army in New Zealand, involves the use of a personal treatment plan, behavioural skills, employment skills, partnership working, as well as social, recreational and relationship counselling.

Lt Col Ian Barr, from The Salvation Army, UK with the Republic of Ireland, said: “We are concerned about the social and health effects alcohol is having on families and on the fabric of society in Scotland.

“Today’s announcement confirms our commitment to social services in Scotland and to the people we serve, we are experts in the provision of evidence-based social programmes and we have drawn together a team with a proven track record in recovery, which will make an impact on the lives of many.”

A postgraduate researcher will also work with the charity to assess the needs of people who require this support. It is a position that will be match-funded by the University of Stirling.

The Salvation Army, which has committed £250,000 towards the first phase of the programme, is making the announcement on its anniversary, also known as Founders Day.