Leeds alcohol and drug service aims to bust myths with open day

Forward Leeds volunteer Kulwant Mann wearing 'beer goggles' which illustrate how a person's vision is affected by drinking.

Forward Leeds will welcome visitors to its Armley hub on Thursday (September 21) in the hope of busting some of the myths surrounding its work.

Visitors will get a chance to tour the premises and chat with heads of all the different teams, including harm reduction, detox teams, early intervention and young persons.

They can also try playing darts wearing “beer goggles” to see how drinking alcohol affects a person's vision.

DISC executive director Anna Headley and Forward Leeds area manager Lee Wilson.

Lee Wilson, area manager for West Leeds, said the aim of the event was to help people better understand addiction and to see how it can affect anyone.

“The idea is to demystify what happens inside an alcohol and drug service, bust some of the myths and let people see the real side of what we do," he said.

"Perhaps they’ll get a better idea of how Forward Leeds helps the local community”.

As well as a guided tour, visitors will have the opportunity to hear a talk on the Forward Leeds model from executive director Anna Headley.

Visit http://www.forwardleeds.co.uk/openhouse to book your place.

Forward Leeds has three hubs across Leeds in Armley, Seacroft and the city centre as well as 5 WAYS a hub for those in recovery.

The service is made up of several partners including Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities (DISC), BARCA-Leeds, Leeds-York Partnership Foundation Trust and St. Anne’s Community Services.