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The purpose of the organisation is to relieve poverty, sickness and distress among those persons affected by addiction
to drugs of any kind and to educate the public on matters relating to drug misuse. In furtherance of these objectives
the organisation is empowered to:
- Provide residential therapeutic facilities
- Provide day care and advisory/counselling/support facilities
- Provide information, education and training services to the general public, statutory agencies and voluntary
groups
- Provide induction services for those wishing to become drug-free
- Promote and provide the development of new facilities pertaining to treatment of sufferers from sexually
transmitted diseases and the treatment and rehabilitation of drug misusers and prevention of drug misuse.
- Promote and provide the advancement of training and research into the dangers arising from habitual or other
uses of drugs, and the publication of research results.
- To promote the prevention of drug addiction and to make provision for the treatment and aftercare of those
relieved from drug addiction.
Lifeline is committed to promoting an organisational ethos and culture that respects the dignity of those people who
require help and support with drugs and alcohol problems. Our mission statement, ‘Telling the truth about drugs’,
reflects our role as an organisation in establishing an approach to substance misuse issues that is accurate, credible
and non-judgemental. This approach is the guiding principle that underpins the products and services that we provide.
We do not believe there are any simplistic solutions to the problem of drugs. Over the last decade drugs have become
cheaper and more readily available, the number of people using drugs has increased and the age of first use has become ever younger. It is our belief that there are no ‘quick fixes’ or ‘miracle cures’ to this problem and that a realistic
starting point is to acknowledge that our impact on the problem will be limited by a range of other individual and
social issues.
Fundamental to our work is the recognition that not all drug use is the same. We treat people as individuals: if people want to stop using drugs we will help them; for others our aim is to help them live with their drug use until they
are able to stop, or live with their drug use with as much stability and dignity as possible.
Many people choose to experiment with drugs for short periods during adolescence or simply take drugs because
they enjoy them. For these people we aim to ensure their choice is an informed one and they cause as little harm to
themselves, their loved ones and their communities as possible.
The different types of services that we provide reflect the differing needs of individuals, but fundamental to our work
are some key principals:
- Establishing a culture of respect and dignity
- Emphasising rights and responsibilities
- Maximising informed choice
- Supporting stability and progress
- Minimising harm to individuals, families and communities
- Making positive contributions to theories and debates
- Establishing a strong reputation for independent policy, practice and communication
While recognising the medical, social and criminal justice elements of this work, we are deeply committed to the
individual needs of those who access our services. This commitment drives us to provide meaningful and sustainable
interventions that are frequently innovative, distinctive or unique.
Lifeline prides itself on taking a holistic view towards drug problems, rather than a purely medical or criminal justice
approach. Our mission statement ‘Telling the truth about drugs’ reflects our commitment to those people who access
our services, and our desire to make a positive contribution to the challenges and debates that arise within the drugs
and alcohol field.
Our Vision is to deliver attractive and effective responses to the challenges associated with drugs and alcohol use.
Despite many changes over the years, a number of features have remained consistent. Our approach is pragmatic. We
do not take a moral stance by condemning drug use; that position would simply alienate the people we aim to help.
Providing high quality, best value service is reliant on good management, creativity and innovation, together with a
clear idea about whom we serve and how they judge us. These include:
- Those who receive our services, such as people with drugs or alcohol problems and their families.
- Those who purchase our services, such as commissioners and funding organisations.
- Our fellow professionals, such as colleagues and others who work in similar or related organisations.
- The wider community, such as residents and business people who live and work in areas where drugs and
alcohol use are causing difficulties.
- The public: the broader population without whom our services would not exist and who ultimately
decide the legal, social and economic circumstances which shape the lives of those we serve.
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