LEAP (Lothians & Edinburgh Abstinence Programme) has celebrated its 250th patient graduation since launching in September 2007. Thirty-four year old Dawn Fee is the 250th patient to complete the three-month, community-based, rehabilitation programme, and Dawn was presented with a certificate by Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Community Safety, at a ceremony at LEAP’s Malta House base in Stockbridge yesterday.
LEAP, the first abstinence programme of its kind in Scotland, operates seven days a week and provides aftercare support as well as access to self-help groups for people dependent on substances who want to achieve drug and alcohol-free recovery.
Dawn has tried to beat her addiction over the last three years but was unable to address the issues of negative thoughts and constant fear that caused her to drink and use. She started at LEAP in January, and for the first time in eight years she is now hopeful about her future. After more than one detox Dawn says she sought help from LEAP as “I knew what was coming and I didn’t want to die”.
Dawn described LEAP as intense and amazing, saying: “Everything the staff told me just clicked in my head. I learnt about my brain, the disease of addiction, my feelings and how all these things impacted on my drinking. One of the best things LEAP has done for me is introduces me to mutual aid and support groups. I feel safe at LEAP and in those groups.”
Talking about her graduation Dawn said: “I’m delighted to be the 250th patient to have completed the LEAP programme. I’m so thankful to the LEAP team”. Dawn is now very positive about her future. Her commitment to recovery is clear, as she attends the LEAP aftercare programme and six mutual aid meetings each week.
Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Roseanna Cunningham said: “On what is a happy occasion, I congratulate everyone associated with LEAP – staff, volunteers, supporters, current patients and especially today’s graduates who are continuing on their own roads to recovery. I wish them and their families and friends well.”
She went on: “Recovery is a priority for the Scottish Government and it is our firm belief that recovery from drug and alcohol addition, through services such as LEAP, is possible. We are investing £28.6 million for drug treatment and support services in 2012/13, enabling faster access to recovery-focused services that place the individual at the centre of care and treatment. We are ensuring help is there for people who want to access it”.
Dr David McCartney, Clinical Lead of LEAP, NHS Lothian, said: “I’m very proud to be celebrating our 250th graduation as we enter our fifth year. Since the programme began in 2007, I’ve seen the life-changing impact recovery has on our patients and their families. As we reach such milestones, we must recognize the courage and determination of all our graduates, and also the dedication and professionalism of the team I work with. Today’s graduation ceremony is very special for LEAP, Dawn and her family as it marks the end of her treatment and a key point in her recovery”.
LEAP is funded by NHS Lothian and three local Alcohol Drug Partnerships and is operated in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, Access to Industry (Transition) and the Serenity Café.
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