Brian turns life around to help

A man given just six months to live because of his alcohol abuse is launching a new service, to help people fight their drink demons.

Brian Morrison lived to tell the tale when he was handed that stark warning in June 2005, but knows many friends who didn't, and now he wants to help others in the same situation.

The 37-year-old used to drink a litre of vodka just to get of the house in the morning, and then carried on drinking throughout the day.

He turned himself around and now his project, Blackpool Alcohol Team, will be launched by the deputy mayor, Coun Gary Coleman at the town hall tomorrow (Friday).

It aims to offer outreach and self help groups for people who have an alcohol problem, run by people who have been in the same situation, and can offer practical advice and understanding.

Brian said: "When I was suffering from alcohol problems I noticed a gap in the support offered, the care is there but it's not comprehensive enough, there isn't enough after care and advice, they just let you get on with it.
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"I've worked on my own for the past 18 months to establish the project, and now we have quite a few volunteers, from a similar background, keen to help."

Brian was a heavy drinker for 15 to 20 years before he realised his problems, and received treatment at Wentworth House in Eccles for three weeks.

He moved to Blackpool around 13 years ago, but having lost much of his memory thanks to drink, can't actually remember moving to the resort.

He said: "I've been sober for two and a half years, and hear nothing from alcohol support groups now, but people should still be in contact with these groups up to five years after their treatment. And any after care support that is offered is usually done with people still seeking help, where drinkers are mixing with people trying abstinence, which is a recipe for disaster."

The project has so far received £500 from local police, to be on the radio link system in the town and is now looking for further funding, and for premises.

"I've put around £1,000 of my own money into the project to get it up and running, but hopefully we will start to get some more funding now," said Brian.

Blackpool Citizen