Rochdale and Oldham drug and alcohol treatment service highly praised by national regulator

The Rochdale and Oldham Active Recovery Service (ROAR) substance misuse treatment services are provided by social enterprise, Turning Point

A community drug and alcohol treatment service covering Rochdale and Oldham has been rated ‘Outstanding’ for leadership and ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the national regulator of health and social care services in England.

The Rochdale and Oldham Active Recovery Service (ROAR) launched in April 2018 and is currently providing treatment to over 1,800 people from sites across Oldham and Rochdale, as well as a range of community venues.

ROAR’s substance misuse treatment services are provided by social enterprise, Turning Point. The service works with any adult who is affected by drugs or alcohol and wants support to make change. It is commissioned by Rochdale Borough Council and Oldham Council.

Amanda Lacey, regional head of operations for Turning Point Public Health and Substance Misuse Services, said: “We are delighted that CQC has rated ROAR as Outstanding for leadership and recognised the hard work, expertise and dedication of all our staff and peer mentors.

“The service was redesigned a year ago, and it is a fantastic achievement to have established a service rated ‘Good’ overall so soon. Our staff continue to work hard to deliver high-quality services and engage with people who need support, and it is important to us to continue to improve even further the quality of care and support.”

Turning Point has concentrated on reducing barriers to treatment, making services accessible through dedicated workers delivering outreach and community-based services.  Working together with another local service, Groundworks Trust, Turning Point also provides employment opportunities for clients. Turning Point also provides digital support for clients to access treatment remotely and works with the Pennine Acute NHS Trust to provide access to hepatitis treatment.

Councillor Sara Rowbotham, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see that the dedication and hard work of everyone at ROAR is being recognised.

“They are striving to make support as accessible as possible with high-quality, structured treatment which has already benefitted over 1,000 Rochdale residents. Congratulations to everyone who is helping the service to go from strength to strength.”

Marie Bashforth, Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Oldham Council, said: “Our ROAR service has achieved excellent results due to the hard work from our committed staff who go above and beyond to provide an excellent service.

“The service and staff positively contribute to the lives of Oldham residents, offering high quality treatment, supporting recovery and helping individuals, families and communities to thrive by addressing the negative impact that drugs and alcohol can have.

“I know the service will continue to help so many people in Oldham with addiction and we commend them for continuing to improve the lives of residents across the borough. Congratulations to all involved.”

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use contact Turning Point ROAR: 

• wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/rochdale-and-oldham