DHI wins drug and alcohol treatment contract for South Gloucestershire

The drug and alcohol treatment services contract for South Gloucestershire has been awarded to local charity, Developing Health & Independence (DHI). DHI will deliver the services for another three years, from April 1st this year.

DHI have been delivering treatment services in South Gloucestershire for over a decade, but this is the first time they will be responsible for delivering the whole drug and alcohol treatment system.

Rosie Phillips, DHI's Chief Executive, said: "This is an exciting new opportunity for us to work even closer with local communities and community groups, for us to work with GPs to incorporate our services into the local healthcare provision, and for us to work with our excellent partners: Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP), Southern Brooks, Broadway Lodge and Battle Against Tranquilisers."

The new service will be based around three localities, with hubs in Kingswood, Yate, Thornbury and Patchway.

Councillor Ben Stokes, Chairman of the South Gloucestershire Council Children Adults and health Committee, said: “DHI have been providing support for people dealing with substance misuse in South Gloucestershire for many years and although there were more than 20 bidders for this contract, we are pleased that they will be able to build on the work they have already done and to provide help in new ways.

“Substance misuse is a difficult subject, but it is something that can often be connected to a range of other issues, so helping people can lead to a much better quality of life for those individuals and those around them.

“The new model of care will see the existing and successful support delivered through a series of GP surgeries, rather than from a single treatment centre, which will make services easier to access.”