A CENTRE launched in Burton to help people recover from alcohol and drug addiction has become such a success that council chiefs are set to use it as a template to combat the problem across Staffordshire.
Bosses at the Burton Addiction Centre, based in Station Street, have revealed that they are teaming up with Staffordshire County Council to develop other recovery sites, the first of which will be in Cannock Chase, in a bid replicate the impact it has had in the town.
The centre, which opened in 1998, is nationally-renowned for helping people beat their addiction and keep them clear of drugs, even being praised by people in power, including Prime Minster David Cameron.
Noreen Oliver, founder and chief executive of the centre, said: "We have operated these services in Burton very successfully for the past ten years.
"Our social enterprise in Burton, Langan's Tea Rooms, in George Street, has won several awards.
"Part of the success has been the numbers gaining employment following their placement.
"Addiction affects not just the individual but families and communities and, by working together, we can make a difference."
All users undertake further education, work experience and voluntary work to gain skills.
One person who has turned their life around with the help of the centre is Martin Williams. The 35-year-old started drinking alcohol aged 12, and by 18 was taking heroin. He has since turned his life around thanks to the centre and steered clear from drugs and alcohol for more than two years.
Alan White, cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing at Staffordshire County Council, said: "We estimate that, by changing our approach to substance misuse, around 20% or 400 more people will benefit from better, more joined-up services."
