3 October 2024

This week, Councillor Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, Community and Housing at Milton Keynes City Council visited our Addiction Recovery Community (ARC). We were also joined by Charlotte Ball, Public Health Principal (Drug and Alcohol) from the Central Bedfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board.

Part of CNWL’s Addictions services, ARC Milton Keynes (ARC-MK), work with adults at any stage of their alcohol, drug or gambling difficulties.

The service is provided in partnership with We Are With You, and made up of sub-teams including outreach for rough sleepers, Rapid Engagement and Support (REST) for individuals with both mental health and addictions needs as well as criminal justice.

Cllr Fuller embarked on a tour of the site and met with members of the team, including Emily Clare (Area Manager), Wendy Burke (Peripatetic Service Manager) and Jo Fewings (Sector Manager), who spoke about the variety of treatment plans, from structured therapies to more informal, drop-in clinics, designed to help people stay on track with their recovery.

“One hundred percent of those referred for treatment receive an assessment within three weeks, consistently meeting the national target,” said Emily.

ARC-MK has evolved since it was first commissioned shortly after the Covid-19 lockdown, and Cllr Fuller was keen to hear how the service is stretching itself to accommodate the growing needs of clients.

“The pandemic changed everything,” said Wendy. “We are now seeing clients of all ages, some well into their 70s and 80s. Alcohol use has increased significantly, especially during lockdowns.”

Recently, the team has been focusing on a new opioid stewardship, which is helping to educate and support GPs with overprescribing. They are also concentrating on a veteran pathway, which is currently making clinic spaces more trauma-friendly, such as removing slamming doors or stark white walls.

Find out more about Addiction Recovery Community (ARC) Milton Keynes on this page.