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David is able to lead a new life after quitting drinking

"When I moved into the BTHA Renfrew project in July 2008 I had totally reached rock bottom and was alcohol dependent. I had the good fortune to have a housing support worker that I could speak to."

David is a 57-year-old-man who moved into the project after being in temporary accommodation in the Johnstone area. He had to move out of this accommodation after being attacked at a cash point and feeling threatened living in this area.  He originally comes from the Renfrew area and feels much safer now that he has returned there. David was previously married with three children and employed as a welder. However, his wife left him in the early 80s and he had to give up work to look after his family. At this time, David started abusing alcohol and, after a couple of years, two of his children went to live with their mum. David stayed at home with his oldest son and during this period had various jobs which he lost due to his alcohol issue.  His oldest son eventually left home and David had other partners, eventually setting up home with one of them. This worked for a while but this relationship later broke up due to David’s alcohol issue. David then moved in with his mum who eventually asked him to leave again due to the alcohol issue.  David had previously been in alcohol detox at the Gryffe unit and attended APC at Dykebar hospital but had now lapsed and begun drinking again.

David has been advised that he will be assessed again at APC within the next few months and should not stop drinking completely at this point due to risk of seizures relating to alcohol withdrawal.   With little family contact or support due to past alcohol issues, he only sees one daughter on occasion.

THE ISSUES

David’s alcohol issue was the primary concern as he can get very drunk and personal care can be quite poor during this time. He requires support to maintain a healthy lifestyle and in addressing alcohol issues which often lead to him becoming very vulnerable.   David also requires support in budgeting and housekeeping; cooking, cleaning etc and assistance with finding suitable move on accommodation that he could manage.

SUPPORT PLAN

A needs-led support plan was put in place for David after an initial assessment and a housing support worker was appointed to work closely with him on his independent living skills. David was supported with budgeting, shopping, cooking and alcohol issues.   He was supported to attend the APC, although, at times. his needs were quite high and the future of his placement was in jeopardy. David did, however, work well with his housing support worker and with her persistence and his cooperation sustained his placement here.

PROGRESS MADE

David was admitted to the Gryffe unit for detox for several weeks and returned to the project when he was discharged. He was on antabuse and attending APC at Dykebar and continues to be alcohol free to this day.  David can now budget effectively, cook and maintain a high standard of personal and domestic hygiene. David was supported to gain his own tenancy and to furnish this appropriately.   David regained family contact with his children and grandchildren and continues to have good support from them.

IN HIS OWN WORDS...

"When I moved into the BTHA Renfrew project in July 2008 I had totally reached rock bottom and was alcohol dependent. I had the good fortune to have a housing support worker that I could speak to. I was in total self destruction but with her support I attended my GP and she also assisted me with attending the APC and spoke to the charge nurse there for me. I was assessed and fast tracked into the Gryffe unit in Greenock. I was there for three weeks and then returned to Renfrew project in October 2008. I have been alcohol free since then.  BTHA assisted me to get my own accommodation and also helped me to get furnishings.  I feel that if I had never had the support of BTHA I would never have lived a normal life. I have all my family back in my life too and the help and support I got from BTHA during my stay was excellent."