Controlled Drinking Environments

Tender description

The YMCA Wirral Controlled Drinking Environment (CDE) operates within a framework of harm reduction for dependent drinkers. The service allows users from the YMCA, Night Provision Services and Rough Sleepers, to drink alcohol inside a supervised and controlled area which is far less detrimental to drinking on the street. As a result, the CDE has been able to offer refuge and a safe environment for those that would normally be excluded from mainstream services. It has been a foundation for many service users to use the service as a pathway to treatment through Wirral Ways to Recovery and other external service providers. It has been a vital part of positive engagement for chronic drinkers entering both detoxification and rehabilitation. Additionally, it has reduced the quantity of noticeable street drinking, litter and linked anti-social behaviour in the Birkenhead area.