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The Hull based CHOICES project came out of the the National Treatment Agency, a government backed health authority to ensure that people in England who need effective treatment for substance misuse are able to access it.

CHOICES is about giving the users of the service an opportunity to help themselves with the support of others who are in the same situation. The aim of CHOICESΜύ is to reach those people who have yet to seek treatment for any difficulties they face and provide a support mechanism for them to take the first steps to resolving their own issues over substance misuse.

In addition, CHOICES also offers support to those who have already made those first steps and need help to continue to with their treatment, in addition to encouraging them to support others facing difficulties.

This is a new project which began in February 2008 and started off as it's continued, by asking the people directly involved for their ideas on how to deliver support. During the interview Matthew explains that the range of types of substance misuse is wide and the type of people affected by it is often underestimated.

Matthew also describes how things can spiral out of control, for example from the taking of prescribed forms of medication. Although he's keen to highlight that other forms of misuse including alcohol can equally have a devastating impact which affects people of all age groups.

CHOICES is also about addressing the issue of denial. The people involved in the project are also seeking out the most effective ways of reaching out to people who may not be aware they have a problem or perhaps are unsure if they have. Through self-help groups, drop-in sessions and even being involved in a football team, CHOICES (which is supported by people who have or are experiencing substance misuse issues) is hoping to reach as many people as possible in need of help.

If you feel you would like to find out more about the services on offer, Hull CHOICES can be contacted by email (address below) or you can 'phone or text 07912 741 333 (normal rates apply).

Julia and Matthew say their picture is a signpost with a series of 'CHOICES' from which an individual can choose their own path, which they feel is the essence of the project.