EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE, A NEW BEGINNING, A NEW LIFE. THE STEP ASIDE CONSULTANCY PROVIDES THIS……

Set up in July 2006, The Step Aside Consultancy Ltd promises bespoke treatment, 365. 24/7 support, immediate access to programmes and most importantly guarantees individuals are treated with the utmost respect at all times.

This unique, independent organisation was the idea of Thalia Shannon-Eyers who, some 10 years ago identified a growing need for a different approach to the treatment of addiction. Having worked and trained with The Priory Healthcare Group and Clouds House she took a giant stride away from the larger organisations and started The Step Aside Consultancy.  The initial 3 years have proved beyond all doubt that a small, non profit making company can and will continue to provide expert and professional help to those suffering addiction. Her dedication to helping others has won her awards locally and be nominated for a national award. Thalia and her team, all in recovery from addiction, work tirelessly and more often than not on a voluntary basis.

“ We are all highly qualified academically but I think the most important reason our success rate is exceptionally high is down to the fact we are all in recovery from addiction. We have ‘been there, done that and now have a fantastic life” she went onto say “ the abject fear of either cutting down on alcohol or indeed quitting is a hideous experience! It seems that our lives will simply stop and from now on there will be absolutely no fun at all” this is not the case and at The Step Aside there is always a ripple of laughter to balance out the seriousness of addiction.

At The Step Aside, the treatment team are acutely aware of the ever increasing ‘waiting times’ for other agencies ,both statutory and private. Thus, The Step Aside ensures there is no waiting time at all, all programmes can be accessed immediately, telephone messages are responded to within 24 hours, usually sooner. Victoria, the programme co ordinator, explains the need for such rapid response. “ When I wanted help I wanted to feel cared for/about, I wanted to have someone understand my needs and sense of urgency, after all this decision is life changing and extremely courageous. I was horrified to be told I would be assessed in about 6 weeks, in reality I waited an awful lot longer, by which time I could have died! This was nearly 9 years ago, now the waiting times are currently 6 to 12 months which is absolutely horrendous. So at The Step Aside we all are resolute in our belief that if someone calls for help they get it straight away, our success rate, 53%, show that what we do works. All our clients keep in touch so we know these figures are true” The Step Aside has recently initiated a programme specifically for Drink Drivers. They identified a void in the system, namely that the statutory programmes currently provided, not only have waiting times but do not cover the real issues surrounding the abuse of alcohol. The programme runs for 28 days, Monday to Friday. Participants can reside in Salisbury or travel on a daily basis. It is proving a huge success and the cost is affordable to all. The Step Aside Family Support Meetings started in September and are proving a great success. The meetings occur every Wednesday from 5.30 to 7.30. Victoria re-iterates the importance of family members having a safe haven to go to, she says “ addiction is a family illness, around each addict a minimum of 8 people are affected, that is astonishing. People need somewhere to let off steam safely and a place to learn about addiction. We are so proud to be able to offer, not only solace & support to those affected but help them seek a solution to the problem.” 

Having spent time with both Thalia and Victoria and members of the groups, I am astonished at the feeling of ‘safety’ and profound compassion which pervades all corners of Number 5 Brown Street, Salisbury. These people really do care, as the strap line says WE KNOW ABOUT ADDICTION …… WE CARE ABOUT YOU. This encapsulates their mission, at last there is a place of sanctuary that is not as costly as other well known organisations, that is effective and not a drain on tax payers pockets.

October 1^st 2009 is The Step Aside’s first birthday at Number 5, it coincides with National Alcohol Awareness Week. Thalia and the team are busy organising a month of events all of which will be promoted in the local press.

• WELCOME
• OUR SERVICES
• RECOVERY WITHOUT REHAB
• FAMILY SUPPORT.
• TESTIMONIALS
• PRESS RELEASES.
• ANNUAL FUNDRAISING WALK
• FACTS ABOUT DRINK DRIVING.
• CONTACT