A NEW drug and alcohol service has been launched in Brighton and Hove.

The Pavilions Partnership officially began its three-year, £15 million contract to support addicts across the city this week.

Its facilities include drop-in centres in Brighton and in Hove and a freephone helpline.

The new service is led by the Surrey-based charity Cranstoun, working alongside Surrey and Borders NHS Partnership Trust, Equinox, Brighton Oasis Project, YMCA Downslink and Cascade Creative Recovery.

Brighton and Hove City Council awarded the contract to the partnership last year, which sparked criticism from unions who said it should have been left in the hands of the previous NHS providers.

Pavilions has been working with Brighton and Hove City Council, communities and people using the service to get a feel of for what is wanted and needed.

Its aim is to provide information, advice and treatment for anyone.

The helpline provides support around the clock or people can drop in to get help on a variety of issues.

There will also be group and individual support and other options available depending on need include a crèche, health checks, needle exchange, education and employment support and sexual health services.

Teams will also work with the homeless on the streets and in hostels as well as offering specialist support for families and carers.

Pavilions will develop the Safe Space scheme, which helps revellers who have overdone it on a Friday or Saturday night in the West Street area of the city.

Cranstoun chief executive Steve Rossell: “We look forward to working with communities, groups and agencies to make a real impact on the effects of substance use and to make recovery a reality. We want to build on the great work already undertaken and to innovate wherever we see possibilities to improve.”

Brighton and Hove director of public health, Tom Scanlon, said: “The partnership combines NHS and third sector care, and includes many established local agencies that have a long track record of working in Brighton and Hove.

“The Partnership, however, will bring a new approach with a much greater focus on complete recovery from substance misuse.”

Contact details

  • The 24 hour Freephone helpline is 0800 149 819
  • The drop in service is based at 26 Ditchling Road, Brighton, and 9 The Drive, Hove.
  • Visit www.pavilions.org.uk