Alcohol addiction treatment must improve says bereaved Shropshire mum as MP backs campaign

A Shropshire alcohol education charity is demanding changes that will keep families involved and fully informed about the treatment and recovery of their loved ones.

Jane Mackenzie, whose daughter Amy died at the age of 37 after battling alcohol addiction for many years, said the situation means “families in Shropshire are crying out for change”.

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She said: “The way things are at the moment, families are shut out from being able to properly support their loved one – or even to understand this terrible condition.”

Ms Mackenzie, a former mayor of Shrewsbury, is the founder of the charity Share Shrewsbury, which she formed to “share the truth” about alcohol harm.

She said: “The current Shropshire Council drug and alcohol contract is under review and I am hopeful that the commissioning team will listen to the views of the hundreds of families who are desperate for change.

“The big picture is that Shropshire families are pulling their hair out, watching their loved ones suffering – sometimes dying. We desperately need to improve things so family members are fully included in the whole process of treatment and recovery.

“And so we – as a charity – are working with Shropshire Council to get this written into the new commissioning contract. Our charity exists to share the truth about addiction, and to improve the way care is provided.”

Now Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley has given her support to the demand for changes.

She is also promoting an online appeal for feedback from families affected.

She said: “If you or someone you love is affected by alcohol or drug dependence, this is a chance to have your say and help shape the support available in Shropshire.

“I would urge anyone affected to please follow the link and complete the survey to lend your voice to bring about change.

“Shropshire Council is preparing to re-tender its contract for substance use services, and for the first time the commissioner is actively seeking feedback from the families of dependent drinkers and drug users. This is a real opportunity to make sure family involvement in recovery becomes part of the new service going forward.

“Share Shrewsbury is working with the council's drug and alcohol commissioning team to gather your experiences. Whether it's the challenges you've faced accessing services, what's worked well, or what you think needs to change, they want to hear from you.

“Meanwhile, hospitals are struggling to provide medicalised detoxification under the current arrangements, so additional support is also sought for this in the new contract.”

The changes to the process for treatment and recovery that Share wants to see adopted are embodied in a document called Amy’s Standard, named in memory of Ms Mackenzie’s daughter who died in May 2019.

Mrs Buckley added: “A big thank you to Jane Mackenzie and her fantastic team at Share Shrewsbury for driving this forward.”