The Key, a new drug and alcohol support hub for people in Bootle and across Sefton, has officially opened today.

Specialist support

Run by health and social care charity Change Grow Live (CGL), The Key provides specialist support for people affected by drug or alcohol use. It is located at 316-318 Stanley Road in Bootle.

The Key has been created to make it easier for people to access free, confidential drug and alcohol treatment and recovery support in their local community.

The service is open to anyone living in Sefton who wants support with their own drug or alcohol use, or who is concerned about a family member, friend or loved one. Support includes one-to-one appointments, treatment programmes, recovery support and help to achieve long-term positive change.

Appointments and drop-ins

People can access the service through their GP, by completing the referral form on the Change Grow Live website, or by calling 0151 203 9755 to book an appointment. The service offers both pre-booked appointments and drop-in access, ensuring support is available when people need it.

Alongside specialist drug and alcohol support, people using the service can also be connected to wider support relating to housing, homelessness, employment and the criminal justice system where appropriate.

Funded by Sefton Council, CGL works with people to reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol, improve health outcomes and support recovery.

You can find out more about The Key and make a referral here.

Moving stories

Among the speakers at the opening were Eleanor and Deb, both of whom originally came into contact with CGL as service users. The told their moving stories, which have ended with Eleanor volunteering for the organisation and Deb starting work with CGL in the very near future.

Cllr Joanne Williams, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health, Zac McMaster, CGL’s Head of Services for Cheshire & Merseyside and Kelly Miller, Services Manager at CGL also made speeches before the ribbon was cut.

An investment in local people

At the opening ceremony, Cllr Joanne Williams, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “The Key represents an investment in local people and local communities. This new hub will support a broad range of activity, including treatment, recovery support, peer support, and health and wellbeing interventions.

“The aim is to make support easier to access and provide a welcoming environment for people seeking help.”

Cllr Williams said it was important to remember that recovery is possible, and that seeking help takes courage. She said that communities are stronger when support is visible and accessible and that nobody should feel judged for asking for help.

Recovery should not be hidden away

The councillor also acknowledged the strong partnership between the Council, Public Health Commissioners, local organisations and Change Grow Live Sefton, whose collaboration has helped make this new hub possible.

She said: “The key message that I would like to leave with you is that recovery should not be hidden away.

“Services such as this help people improve their health, rebuild relationships, contribute to their communities and create brighter futures for themselves and their families."

Dedicated, welcoming space

Kelly Miller, Services Manager from Change Grow Live said: "We are delighted to open The Key and provide a dedicated, welcoming space where people can access specialist drug and alcohol support close to home.

We would like to thank our partners and service users whose ideas and feedback have helped shape the hub. We look forward to building on this strong foundation and continuing to expand the support and activities available to local people."

Monday's opening event brought together representatives from Sefton Council, Change Grow Live, partner organisations and community groups, as well as CGL service users and members of the public to celebrate the positive difference The Key will make for people across South Sefton.

You can find out more about The Key and make a referral here.