Rt Hon John Bercow MP call to action on alchol and drug misuse (From Bucks Free Press)

Rt Hon John Bercow MP call to action on alchol and drug misuse

9:19am Tuesday 2nd November 2010 in Your Bucks - Charity

Delegates attending The Oasis Partnership’s 2010 annual meeting last week heard that most people are likely to know someone with a drug or alcohol related problem and that Buckinghamshire businesses, communities and residents should do more to help those in need of support.

Commenting on the extent of the challenge, guest speaker, Right Honourable John Bercow, MP for Buckingham and Speaker of the House, said “Drug or alcohol use is a real issue for many Buckinghamshire residents. While people with problems are often dismissed as being at the fringes of society, this is simply not the case. Most people are likely to know someone with a drug or alcohol related problem, whether they be a family member, a friend, a work colleague or a member of their local community. Indeed, anyone can be affected.”

“Charities, such as The Oasis Partnership, do an outstanding job in supporting all those whose lives are affected by drugs and alcohol. But times are tough, and as with all our county’s charities, they would benefit from more local support.” he added.

“If local businesses, communities or residents want to make a difference to those whose lives are affected by drink or drugs, I urge them to get involved.” he concluded.

Oasis is a Buckinghamshire charitable organisation that provides a full range of specialist, evidence based services to anyone whose life is affected by their own, or someone else’s drug or alcohol use. Currently Oasis employs 34 staff and 24 volunteers, and operates through its Wycombe and Aylesbury offices.

Commenting on the need for Oasis services, Colin McGregor-Paterson, CEO, said “It is estimated that drug and alcohol misuse costs the UK economy over £20 billion annually, and the need for our local services has never been greater”.

“As a community based organisation, focussing all our efforts on Buckinghamshire, we are ideally placed to support local residents and businesses. However, to do this we need additional support from the local community” he concluded. The Oasis meeting was attended by over 50 delegates including commissioners of services, representatives of local primary care trusts, local GPs, service users and representatives from local businesses.

Anyone wanting to know more about how they could help Oasis should call the main office on 01494-898480 or e mail info@oasispartnership.org.

Based on information supplied by Neil McGregor-Paterson.