More than 100 street drinkers who attended a centre set up to support them received medical treatment and other help.
This figure is shown in an analysis of people attending the REST (rehabilitation, education, support and treatment) centre in Fraser Street which supported individuals and attempted to help them reduce their alcohol intake. Other services such as housing and homeless support were also available when the centre operated between June and September.
Street drinkers were allowed to drink alcohol at the centre under supervision.
The review of its use shows that 173 different individuals – 128 men and 45 women used the centre, the youngest being 19, the oldest was aged 66.
A total of 124 people were referred to treatment services including GPs, hospitals or services dealing with alcohol issues. Seven people had wounds dressed.
Eight people went into detox and rehabilitation programmes and 86 were referred to Addaction the drug and alcohol treatment charity.
The centre was funded by the Clinical Commissioning Group Citysafe and Public Health and operated by the Whitechapel Centre. A full evaluation of its work is being carried out by the Centre for Public Health at John Moores University.
Councillor Emily Spurrell said:
“The evaluation will assess not only how successful the centre was for the individuals who attended but will also look at its wider implications for the city such as the effects on anti-social behaviour.
“We will then be in a better position to look at the future of this type of centre.
“However, it is clear from the raw numbers that the centre was well used during the summer and that many of the people who attended there were helped with medical treatment, which they may not otherwise have had, as well as other support.
“Along with our partners we will continue to look at the best ways to reduce the levels of street drinking in the city.”