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Service User's Feedback

From the Service Users point of view the attributes of this Project are vast - here are merely a few:

Where else is there? There is nowhere like it in this area - with an ongoing care plan working towards making positive changes and an alcohol free life - that gives us hope!

It is Alcohol only - Many drinkers do not feel comfortable being linked with drug problems.

Programme - Excellent topics are covered and staff are willing to cater for new ideas. If any residue of feelings are left following a group session staff are available for a one-to-one and for support during any crisis in your life.

More than drinking - Alcohol misuse is often the result of underlying problems and these are addressed at Oxford Road. Giving us alternative choices in solving problems and coping with life.

Ongoing Support - This facility provides ongoing support for those at any stage in their drinking or abstinence. Whether new to the idea that drinking is a problem, or need support with the maintenance of their sobriety. After all there is no real cure - it can take a long time to firstly gain sobriety and then maintain abstinence.

Relapse - Should relapse occur, encouragement is offered to learn from the experience, work on those issues and get back on track.

Individuals - We all have one common denominator - alcohol misuse! We have very different reasons, habits, and different patterns of misuse - Oxford Road caters for this and treats us as individuals.

Anonymity of Venue - 'The House' as it is affectionately referred to lies in the leafy suburbs of the town with no outward indication that it is an Alcohol Project. The premises are welcoming and the environment feels safe, comfortable and relaxing. It has a lovely garden to relax in, there is a computer and resource room.

Social Interaction - The project gives users time out from the 'real world' and an opportunity of meeting and spending time with new friends. Isolation is a common feeling and the Drop-In allows social interaction in a 'family' atmosphere.

Staff - The staff 'team' are professional, friendly, understanding, and 'human'. They are flexible in their approach and treat individuals as such and according to their needs. They are enthusiastic to the ideas of service users.

 

Our Sincere Thanks to 9 Oxford Road


As Day Care Users we wish to thank the Staff Team for their tireless efforts in giving us the support and encouragement to come to terms with our individual alcohol problems. This facility has been invaluable to us all and to quote just a few:

"As an ex-resident their on-going support has been invaluable. Thanks to Oxford Road I have been 'dry' for 6 years."

"The program allowed me to live in the outside world whilst learning a revised way of life and being able to test it out with back-up from the Team when things didn't go quite to plan".

"Oxford Road is a place of comfort, safety and education regarding alcohol misuse".

"Oxford Road is the only place that has given me hope for the future, it saves people's lives!"

"The social side of the service enables clients to feel cherished and belonging".

"It is important to know that people can relate to your moods, feelings and emotions without the need to explain".

We could go on, and on ……

Service User's Personal Stories & Tributes

"The programme is subtle but very effective and increases one's awareness of their strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities, whilst at the same time putting in place strategies for dealing with the ups and downs of life without the need to resort to alcohol."

"When I came to 9 Oxford Road at the beginning of this year I would not have believed the progress I have made nine months further on, not just with my serious drink problem but with many aspects of my life. Since attending I have learnt so much from the staff and other service users, I can now look forward to a better future and better quality of life, thanks to all at No. 9."

" I have been coming to Oxford Road for the past three years, normally once a week, starting with one-to-one meetings but recently I have taken some of the group sessions, which I find is a very good learning curve. I feel better with other group users, it helps to discuss my problems with them as they can relate to them. With this help I have been alcohol free since December 2001. Thanks to all staff and users within 9 Oxford Road."

"The service users are actively encouraged to share fears and feelings and emotions with each other and with the staff, and this promotes self-knowledge and an inner confidence to face the future in a stronger and more positive frame of mind."

"I have been a Day Care user since August '98 and it would take many pages to tell you all how much my life has changed for the better since attending 9 Oxford Road over the past five years. Briefly, what were once dreams and distant stars in the sky are now becoming reality in terms of achieving my goals in my work and career."

"I arrived at 9 Oxford Road as a resident having reached the conclusion that if I didn't receive help life would be short and pointless. During my stay I found the programme challenging, and rewarding. I approached the groups with an open mind, which I believe to be essential to gain full benefit. I found the structure at time demanding, but worth perseverance. Most of my difficult and confused times were immensely helped by staff and day care users. I found the opportunity to talk and discuss problems invaluable for my recovery, and the pleasure of socializing with kind and genuine people contributed to my well-being.

I have continued to use Oxford Road for support and as a source of company and humour. Obviously, at the end of the day it is down to you to seriously want to stop drinking, but I would recommend the programme for anyone who wants a better life."

"The window on my world was darkened by layers of grime gathered over the years; layers of lying, cheating, self-hatred, anger and hurting those most dear. Then, twenty-three months ago I came to Oxford Road and during my short stay there those layers were gradually removed to reveal bright sunshine, vibrant colours and beauty I had forgotten existed - in short, I was reborn.

The help received from the team isn't something learnt from books but comes from a true understanding of people, faith in the techniques they employ and total dedication to the work they do.

I still attend the weekly support group where I meet new residents and day care users who all need and get the same help and support that I have had, and still receive."

"I attended Oxford Road Day Care some time after my second hospital detox - my health was in a very poor state indeed. Despite this I did not feel that residential rehab was for me. Luckily I had the opportunity to attend the Day Care Programme, which I have been doing for three afternoons a week, for the various groups they offer.

These groups have all been very helpful to me. It may not be until a situation has arisen in my life with which I have dealt that I can reflect 'That must have been Oxford Road's influence'. I believe it has also taught me patience - not only quelling my impatience, but also increasing my tolerance and understanding of others.

Theory is one thing - being assertive to a family member is not always easy. Expressing emotions is no easy feat. Keeping calm and positive thinking are easier said than done. Confidence is not easily built. Now with the help from Oxford Road I am aware these things can be dealt with more effectively than through the bottom of a bottle!

Alcohol was something I turned to because I wasn't happy with my life. As my life has improved without alcohol the feelings that I need it have declined. I know I cannot be complacent about the power of alcohol on me - I am sure that to have just one would not be just one! I continue attending Oxford Road to give and receive support. It is also a happy place to be among friends."

"Six years ago the drinking stopped - yet that alone was not enough to improve my life. I was still confused, frustrated, angry and unhappy. Referral to Oxford Road is where I believe the change really began - slowly but surely the group work, social interaction with other clients and support form the staff team enabled me to take control of my life again. My self esteem improved as did my quality of life. I began feeling confident in what I could do for myself and others, my interests and activities broadened.

Once sobriety, and life, felt comfortable I decided I would like to increase my skills - I completed numerous part time courses, some just for fun but also gaining certificates. With my confidence growing all the time I then successfully completed a two year Diploma course and I am now on a Degree course - I would never have imagined these possibilities.

Looking back at my life, the change is incredible. On the surface little change may be evident, however, the way I feel about myself, about life and about others is vast. With the help of Oxford Road I have dealt with many problems and hang-ups I have carried for years. I believe I am happier now than I have ever been. And Oxford Road is still there for friendship and support. As for alcohol, it's something others drink …… there's no place for it in my life now!"