An open day to raise awareness in Greater Pollok of what addiction services are available locally, was judged to be very successful by the organisers and participants.

Held in Pollok Tenants’ Choice meeting room next to the Housing Association’s own offices, around a dozen agencies from Alcoholics Anonymous to the Men’s Health Action Group took part.

‘With the exception of us and the Housing Association, everyone was from a voluntary organisation,’ said Sandra Fletcher, the Senior Worker in the Greater Pollok Community Addictions Team, (CATs). ‘It has been helpful to get this community response and for people working in these different areas to know what is available. It raised our profile and the knowledge of addiction service provision locally.’

Local Councillor for Pollok, Keith Baldassara commented, ‘This kind of event is important. The abuse of alcohol and drugs is a serious problem and many families in the community identify with it. Showing what support exists is critical and letting the public know that it is not a taboo subject but is treated sympathetically and carefully by the voluntary organisations and agencies who took part, is equally important.’