CONTROVERSIAL NEEDLE EXCHANGE IS OPENED

NEW Milton's controversial drink and drug clinic needle exchange has
been officially opened by former town mayor Cllr Goff Beck and site
manager Annette Davolls.

Cllr Beck, who holds New Forest District Council's crime and disorder
portfolio, has supported the proposals to locate a drink and drugs
centre in New Milton ever since the idea was first mooted by
Southampton-based drugs rehabilitation charity the Society of St James.

An intial plan to locate the clinic in Old Milton Road was turned
down by the district council but the second application, for a split
site at numbers 5 and 20 Whitefield Road, succeeded on appeal.

The Bridge, as the centre is known, is located in the former Dorcas
charity furniture shop and has been open for several months.

At the opening, Cllr Beck said: "The Bridge Project is a much-needed
service available to all in the New Forest.

"The misuse of solvents, drugs and alcohol is often all too prevalent
in our neighbourhoods, and it is important that the support and
advice which the Bridge offers to the community is accepted and
integrated into our lives.

"The Bridge is managed and staffed by dedicated professional people
with great back-up assistance to help those who volunteer for
assistance to kick their substance misuse.

"I wish it every success."

The centre is seen as a vital service to combat the misuse of drink,
drugs and other substances in the area.

As well as providing a needle exchange service for intravenous drugs
users, it offers support and advice to alcohol and drugs users aged
18 or more.

The drop-in centre provides a warm welcome.

Clients are assessed and offered programmes which could include group
therapy, alternative therapies and/or working with support agencies.

There is also an after-care programme for those who have given up
substance abuse but require access to training and future employment.

The Bridge also runs a volunteer scheme and provides support for
carers.

Staff work closely with carers' groups, pharmacies, GPs' surgeries,
other drugs and alcohol teams and Hampshire Primary Care Trust.