Overdid it in December
A substance use service has launched a media campaign urging Londoners to use the New Year as a fresh start and utilise professional hep to cut down on their drug and alcohol consumption.
Health and social care provider Turning Point supports 171,000 people each year in its 283 services, including hubs in Hammersmith and Fulham; Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.
The organisation is looking to engage with people thinking about getting sober by raising awareness of its services with posters across the city and starting conversations on social media.
Turning Point’s centres offer a wide range of services, including free, confidential, non-judgmental support either face-to-face, on the phone or online. Experienced and qualified professionals work with clients to develop evidence-based programmes designed for each individual need. There’s also support for families and friends effected by a loved one’s substance use.
Mark, a peer mentor at Turning Point in Hammersmith & Fulham, revealed his life changed completely after getting sober, saying:
“I started drinking from the age of 14-15. Every time I had a drink, I wouldn’t be able to stop or reduce my drinking, I’d always drink to oblivion. What spurred me to change, was the consequences. I ended up coming into contact with the police, and subsequently the courts. It was all stuff that I couldn’t actually remember! Part of my final submission to sobriety, was not even remembering what I’d even done. It was that bad.
“My first step was reaching out and meeting like-minded people. I was recommended Turning Point through the police and courts. Once I’d discovered Turning Point and had my assessment, it’s been on an uphill trajectory since then. It’s been really enlightening!”
He added: “Since becoming sober, I found that I’ve become stronger. I became more in touch with myself, once I came away from alcohol and drugs and that problem behaviour. I’m now more aware of my mental, physical and spiritual health.
“I say it’s never too late to keep improving yourself. That’s why I’ve appreciated being sober for so long. It’s not only enabled me to explore hobbies and interests that I used to have, but also to develop new ones. I engaged in interests so I wasn’t bored tapping my fingers and likely to get back into old habits. I busied myself and tried so many new things that I enjoyed and fully embraced them.
Mohammed Alsaidi, consultant psychologist and clinical lead at Turning Point’s Hammersmith and Fulham service, said:
“People who have accessed Turning Point’s one to one support have been able to make long-term positive changes around alcohol and drugs. Working with our peer mentors, who have lived experience has meant our clients are less likely to relapse. We’ve supported thousands of clients for over 50 years to make huge personal growth.
“Short-term outcomes of our support include better sleep, more energy and most notably a sense of not feeling judged or alone. Longer-term outcomes of our support include improving relationships with loved ones, developing coping mechanisms for emotions and cravings and exploring passions by learning new skills and taking up new hobbies.”
Turning Point London services contact:
Hammersmith & Fulham
New Coach House, 370-376 Uxbridge Road, W12 7LL
Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea
Acorn Hall, 1 East Row W10 5AR
32a Wardour Street, W1D 6QR
