Pubdate: Wed, 23 Jan 2008
Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2008 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/42
Author: Claire Mcneilly
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

HOPE IS FADING FAST FOR DRUGS AID UNIT

A substance abuse centre in one of Ulster's main drugs  trouble spots
is in danger of closure due to lack of  funding.

The Hope Centre Ballymena, in Co Antrim - which helps  drug addicts,
alcoholics and their families - admitted  today that it was in dire
straights.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, centre manager, Anne  Henry, whose
own job - and those of several other key  staff - hangs in the
balance, appealed for crucial aid.

"We are in desperate need of additional funding in  order to sustain
the vital services currently being  offered," she said.

"The Hope Centre is a paramount and indispensable  service to the drug
and alcohol misusers and their  families within Ballymena and the
surrounding areas.

"But in order to continue this work we require  immediate assistance
with the ongoing battle to  maintain and improve our unique services."

Of those who use the services, 42% have alcohol-related  problems and
36% are heroin addicts.

The remainder are addicted to prescription medicine,  cannabis,
amphetamines and other substances.

News of the centre's possible closure has sent shock  waves through
the local community and beyond.

It also follows a special investigation by this  newspaper recently,
which outlined the growing problem  of cocaine in Northern Ireland.

Dr Terry Magowan, one of the few practitioners in  Northern Ireland
who prescribes Methadone to heroin  addicts, said the Hope Centre
played a vital role.

"It would be an awful shame for addicts, their families  and those who
help care for them, if the centre had to  close," he said.

"It is providing an excellent service.

"Heroin is a huge problem in Ballymena and addicts rely  very heavily
on the voluntary sector for support."

SDLP councillor Declan O'Loan said it was ironic that a  centre which
has done so much to help those on  society's margins should find
itself struggling.

"The Hope Centre does a very valuable job, and one that  no other
agency in the area does, " he said.

"It has developed a very high level of expertise in a  very difficult
area.

"I have nothing but admiration and respect for its
achievements.

"The drugs problem is very real. It has to be tackled  on many fronts,
and that includes the rehabilitation of  those who have been through
substance abuse."

The facility, which receives Lottery Funding, also  relies on various
bodies, including Northern Ireland  Drug and Alcohol Coordination
Team, to help supplement  salary costs. That funding, however, runs
out on  Friday.

Founded in 2000, by the parents of drug users, the Hope  Centre treats
up to 40 people daily and services  statutory, community and voluntary
organisations  throughout the Northern Board areas.
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath