A NEW alcohol support service has been launched in Hammersmith & Fulham in a bid to lower the number of dependent drinkers in the borough.
Members of the Community Alcohol Support Service (CASS) officially launched their new centre, in North End Road, on Friday (2/7) – the first of its kind in the borough.
It is being funded by NHS Hammersmith & Fulham with community working company Foundation 66 winning the contract to run the service.
GP's will be able to refer patients they feel may be becoming dependent on alcohol while anyone borough residents over 18 and concerned about their own drinking can visit the drop-in service.
Patricia Cadden, H&F offender health and substance misuse commissioner, said: "It was very clear that the borough was crying out for a service like this. The workers will spend time at the centre but also going out to visit people and set up in the GP surgeries to reach as many people as possible.
"We are hoping that this will become a very busy hub and the plan would be to expand in the future."
There are an estimated 35,000 people at risk of becoming dependent drinkers in H&F with around 10,000 people being treated for alcohol related illnesses.
The centre will open from 9am to 5pm between Monday and Fridays with the drop-in sessions run between 9.30am and noon every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Women only walk-in sessions will run between 1.30pm and 4pm every Thursday while evening walk-in sessions will run between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesdays.
For more information about the service call 020 7381 0436, email cass@foundation66.org.uk or visit www.foundation66.org.uk .
