Newbury service that tackles drug problems wins award

The Edge has been recognised for its excellent service for its acupuncture treatment

A NEWBURY-based service that helps young people to deal with drug and alcohol problems recently received an award for its use of acupuncture as treatment for addiction.

The Edge, based at the Waterside Youth and Community Centre in Newbury, uses auricular acupuncture, where tiny needles are stuck into the ear to help the addict relax, amongst its range of services.

It has now been recognised for its excellent service by SMART UK, a provider of auricular acupuncture training programmes.

The Edge manager Didge Oku said: “Auricular acupuncture is a proven and effective treatment for substance misuse and is currently used across the United Kingdom in community based projects and the prison service.”

On receiving the award on December 14, West Berkshire's executive councillor for Children and Young People, Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston), said: “The Edge have taken a very forward thinking approach and I'm delighted that their commitment to continuously improving and diversifying the treatments they offer is being recognised."

The Edge works with young people up to the age of 21 in West Berkshire, aiming to reduce them from harm from alcohol and drug use and other addictive behaviours of those using, or affected by, drug or alcohol.

For more information on The Edge, visit www.edgecrew.co.uk or call (01635) 582002.