MLA backs Trust scheme

Local DUP MLA Sydney Anderson has given his backing to Alcohol Awareness Week which took place from November 14 to 20 by attending an event hosted by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust showcasing its Big Lottery Impact of Alcohol Portfolio.
From right to left- Bryce McMurray (Acting Director, Mental Health and Disability Service Southern Health and Social Care Trust), Roberta Brownlee (Chair, Southern Health and Social Care Trust), Sydney Anderson MLA, Joanne McDowell (Northern Ireland Director, Big Lottery Fund), Dr Paddy Woods (Deputy Chief Medical Officer)From right to left- Bryce McMurray (Acting Director, Mental Health and Disability Service Southern Health and Social Care Trust), Roberta Brownlee (Chair, Southern Health and Social Care Trust), Sydney Anderson MLA, Joanne McDowell (Northern Ireland Director, Big Lottery Fund), Dr Paddy Woods (Deputy Chief Medical Officer)
From right to left- Bryce McMurray (Acting Director, Mental Health and Disability Service Southern Health and Social Care Trust), Roberta Brownlee (Chair, Southern Health and Social Care Trust), Sydney Anderson MLA, Joanne McDowell (Northern Ireland Director, Big Lottery Fund), Dr Paddy Woods (Deputy Chief Medical Officer)

This offers a range of hospital and community services aimed at reducing harm to individuals, families and communities directly affected by alcohol misuse.

Mr Anderson stated, “I was pleased to be able to attend this event and learn about the good work the Southern Trust is doing to tackle alcohol misuse. The health effects of alcohol misuse are wide ranging including an increased risk of cancer, mental health problems, liver disease and physical injury. On top of this alcohol can have a major impact of families and communities, contributing to domestic violence and anti-social behaviour.

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As a result of the collaborative work between the Trust, its community and voluntary partners and the Big Lottery Fund over 14,500 individuals directly impacted by alcohol abuse have been helped in hospital and within the wider community.

“The portfolio projects include a counselling service, an alcohol and domestic violence intervention service, a chronic alcohol users service, an alcohol liaison midwife and an alcohol liaison acute hospital nurse.”

Sydney Anderson MLA continued by stating,

“Whilst last week did mark Alcohol Awareness Week it is important that we all recognise the challenges posed by alcohol misuse all year round. I commend the Southern Trust and its partners for the work they have done to deal with alcohol misuse to date and I wish them well as they continue to help the individuals and families that are impacted.”

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