AN AWARD-winning alcohol aftercare programme which has offered a vital lifeline to those getting over a drink or drug problem is to close.

Emma, 29, of Brigg, has just finished her programme and has been sober for six months.

"I can't put into words how much those staff have helped me, and everyone at the group has helped each other," she said.

"Nothing else in the world worked for me and there's no justice in the fact it's being taken away.

"I'm worried that help has been taken away from other people in a similar situation."

The Way Forward is a programme which helps former drink and drug addicts build a normal life through education, training and life skills.

Staff show people how to move on with their lives, from simple tasks like how to apply for housing benefit, to IT skills and entering full-time employment.

Emma said group activities at the structured day programme did not feel pressurised and people could progress at their own pace.

This allowed her to turn her life around, and the change has been remarkable.

"For 10 years I was a mess," said Emma.

"I was suicidal and prioritised alcohol over work and taking responsibility for myself.

"I had no confidence and it affected my family and friends

"I was in hospital four times for overdoses of alcohol.

"The problem brewed up over quite a long period of time during my early 20s.

"I had self-esteem issues and didn't like myself.

"I was cowering and inward. Drinking enabled me to be more confident and outgoing."

The programme was funded by Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. It helped Emma back to her feet.

"The life skills were the best things," she said. "Looking at triggers, sleeping patterns, diets and needs."

But despite the positive results, the service is to close.

Denise Reynolds, service manager at the trust, said: "The Way Forward will be coming to a close in its current format as a structured day programme.

"The staff who work on the programme are going to use their significant recovery skills in a new role which will enable them to bring those skills to a much wider audience within the treatment system."

It is understood there will be a shift to one-to-one care, but service users have warned counselling alone is not as effective as group work.

However, it is hoped the service in its new guise can build on past successes.

Jane Dickinson, senior programme worker on The Way Forward, said: "We've seen some real success stories over the years. It's been the most wonderful programme, and we've seen so many people turn their lives around.

"The Way Forward just points people in the right direction."

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