Praise for top-performing addiction services team

Figures show the team treating 98 per cent of those in need of support for their recovery from alcohol or drug use within three weeks or less of being referred - exceeding a target of 90 per cent within the timescale and the national average, of 92.

East Renfrewshire is the best performing authority in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, prompting health minister Michael Matheson to write to the team in recognition of their efforts.

He said: “The achievement of this ambitious target is testament to the significant amount of work driven forward at local level - thanks to all those who have contributed to this landmark success in making services more accessible to individuals in need to support their recovery journey.”

Councillor Alan Lafferty, convener for social care and health, added his congratulations. He commented: “The team is making every effort to maintain this challenging record.”

It’s good news all round for the addiction and recovery team, after a recent event celebrated the achievements of 11 individuals who have completed the 28 week recovery programme.

The group worked on life skills and topics such as the effect of addiction on family and friends, sleeping better and physical impacts.

Some of the successful service users are now going on to apply for college courses, provide peer support for the local recovery group - and two appeared on Pulse FMto talk about their experiences.

Councillor Lafferty added: “I’d like to commend everyone who worked with our community addiction and recovery team and completed this programme to bring about a positive change and improve their quality of life.”