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Bon-Accord Befrienders Service:

Press Release

Alcohol Support Ltd  - End of Befrienders Service

Alcohol Support Ltd regrets to announce that due to a lack of secure long term funding, it is being forced to close its Bon Accord Befrienders Service (BABS). The service set up in 2003 was one of the first befriending schemes of its kind in the North East of Scotland. The service is aimed at adults experiencing an alcohol problem which has led to them becoming isolated from the wider community. Trained volunteer befrienders are "matched" with clients with alcohol problems.  The befrienders meet the clients on a regular basis to provide a "listening ear" or company on a social outing. BABS has supported over 120 clients.

However, due to the continual struggle to attract long term funding, Alcohol Support Ltd can no longer sustain the Bon Accord Befrienders Service. It will be wound up at the beginning of July.

Commenting, Dr Adam Coldwells, Chairman of Alcohol Support Ltd said "It's hugely disappointing that we have been forced to cut this important service because the money to sustain it is just not available. The feedback from clients who have been matched with befrienders has been excellent. We found that regular contact with befrienders helped improve the confidence of men and women with alcohol problems. It leaves them feeling less isolated. We also found it gives clients more confidence to make new friends of their own and new social networks. We tried hard to keep the service going, but without the funding in place, it's just not possible."

 It’s hoped the dedicated Befrienders staff can be found positions within Alcohol Support Ltd.  We’d also like to thank our valued team of volunteers.

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Note to Editors: Alcohol Support Ltd is the merged voluntary organisation of Albyn House             Association Ltd and Alcohol Advisory and Counselling Service (AACS). The newly merged organisation aims to provide choice and a range of support services for anyone with an alcohol problem and those affected by someone else's alcohol problem.  We support clients living in Aberdeen City and      throughout Aberdeenshire which enables people to make positive changes in their lives.

Bon Accord Befrienders Service is one of a range of services provided by Alcohol Support Ltd. Other services include counselling, residential, designated place, drive drive rehabilitation scheme, support groups, employment referral service, etc.

For further information please contact:

Gillian Kindness

Publicity and Information Administrator

Alcohol Support Ltd

76-78 Dee Street

Aberdeen, AB11 6DS

Tel:  01224 595981 Email:  gillian.kindness@alcoholsupport.co.uk

BABS Home Page

2005/06
BABS Annual Report