We’re in Bath and North East Somerset

BDP have been operating in Bristol for the last 39 years. During this time, we’ve made it a priority to evolve our services based on the needs of the people in our city who we support, and those who we aren’t yet reaching. 

We’re excited to announce that BDP will now be joining Turning Point in delivering drug and alcohol services in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES). Turning Point will be leading the treatment system, but BDP will manage 5 workers based in BANES that will be delivering part of the service; 4 Engagement Workers and 1 Young Adult Worker (18-25). This is a great opportunity for us to bring our passion for harm reduction and engaging young people to BANES.  

The BDP Engagement Team and Youth Team has a proud history of delivering services in Bristol and championing the harm reduction ethos that is at the core of everything we do, often working with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.  

Workers in these roles require a broad set of skills and the roles are incredibly varied; from working at outreach stalls at festivals, providing clean injecting equipment from our health and harm reduction centre, in reach into hostels and actively engaging with some of the more vulnerable members of our communities.  

We spoke to Nat Travis, National Head of Service at Turning Point: 

‘Starting service delivery in BANES was all about strengthening and extending our partnership with BDP to reach more communities. Every city’s drug and alcohol use presents differently, but having that neighbouring relationship between Bristol and Bath brings so many advantages through local knowledge and expertise. BDP have years of exceptional engagement practice and skills that they bring to the table, and harm reduction is at the forefront of what both Turning Point and BDP do, so bringing that combination of competence to BANES is going to be really valuable to our current and new service users. We have a great Young Adults offer for that transitional period from 18-25 as well as an Adults Service to work with people of all ages to find the support that’s right for them. With a harm reduction approach front and centre, working alongside our service users is of upmost importance and we’re excited to be working with BDP to make this a possibility.’ 

Lydia Plant, CEO of BDP said: 

‘BDP has a proud history of meeting people where they are with compassion, dignity, and evidence-based solutions. We are excited to join Turning Point in BANES, who share our vision for safer communities, stronger connections and easy access to a range of effective services.’ 

Want some support? 

Do you live in Bath and North East Somerset and want some support around your drug or alcohol use?  

Call 01225 342052, or click here to visit their website and find out more.