Choose Life Wales

Description

HISTORY

Alan Andrews 1991Chooselife was started in 1996 by Alan Andrews, who is now the Chief Executive of the organisation. Prior to his involvement with Chooselife, Alan was himself involved in drugs and has used his past experiences to shape the past, present and future of Chooselife. Chooselife continued to grow and in March 2000 opened a drop in centre for drug and alcohol users. The Centre’s opening hours have increased from an initial two days per week 9am – 4pm to five days per week 10am – 6pm. Our aim is to open 10am to 10pm seven days a week. Through lessons learned and feedback received from Centre users we realised that for every user, there were two or three family members left unsupported. The Family Centre was opened in 2004 by Edwina Hart Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, Welsh Government. The Family Centre provides support to parents, carers, affected others and children. In 2005 a structured day care programme was launched, promoting healthy lifestyles with a holistic approach and providing useful alternatives. In 2009, this was expanded with the launch of the Diversionary Activities Project offering a variety of activities, groups and classes which focus on learning new skills, team work and learning relapse prevention strategies.