Business plan to kick drug habit

Turning Point Worcester, which offers a one-stop point of call for drug users, is behind the scheme set up to enable those using the Foregate Street charity to turn their lives around by focusing on setting up and running their own business.

Richard Allsup, Turning Point's service manager, said the scheme would provide the charity's users with a real opportunity to transform their lives by not only finding employment and acquiring valuable skills, but also gaining confidence.

"Punishment isn't an effective way to deal with drug use, whereas, if you can provide people with practical, personal, confidence and emotional support, then these are long-term solutions."

He said that, although the scheme was in its infancy, they already had a steering group and were in the process of setting up a co-operative of service users keen to take part.

"We have a business plan and some great ideas, but we have no experience in this type of work," said Mr Allsup. "Our background is in counselling."

To make the scheme a long-term success, he needs volunteers to help with fund-raising, as well as practical advice about running a business. We need to develop an infrastructure of support, such as financial advice."

The project - believed to be the first of its kind in the country - would also benefit the community.

"For every £1 spent on a service user, the community gains £3," he said. "The whole problem of drug use is complex and we all have a responsibility in how we address it.

"Our role is to provide psycho-social intervention to provide people with the emotional support, as well as the practical support, to find other ways of living.

"The prevalence of drugs is just as great in higher economic groups as lower economic groups."

If you would like to find out more about the project and are an accountant, business adviser or have any other skills which you believe could help, call Richard Allsup or Rob Fraser on 01905 724754.