OPEN LETTER FROM MIDDLEGATE LODGE

UNIQUE REHAB FOR CHILDREN FACES CLOSURE

"By way of introduction, I am chairman of Middlegate,

a unique Ofsted-registered, residential rehabilitation unit treating young people aged 11-18 years of age which has been caring and treating young people since 1995. Middlegate's aim is to rehabilitate and treat young people with substance-misuse and behavioural-related problems in a family residential setting.

I have read Kathy Gyngell's article, No reason to be sanguine about teenage drug use, and also note the comment by Mike Trace of the urgent need for residential treatment for young under-18 addicts.

Middlegate has only five beds available to treat young people. It was forced over three years ago, because of funding issues, to lay off 10 programme workers and to close a four-bed unit.

In October last year, I attended the Community Care Live 08 conference for children and young people services and went to a workshop lead by Penelope Gibbs of the Prison Reform Trust, Why we should lock up fewer children.

 My colleagues and I believe that too many young people lose their freedom unnecessarily. Our team of trained specialists work with the young people to develop their life skills, nurture them back into meaningful education, address their emotional and psychological issues, improve their general health, carry out family mediation and outreach involvement and gently help them over their dependence on drugs, alcohol and related substances.

Middlegate gets referrals from various sources: Drug Action Teams, Primary Care Trusts, Youth Offending Teams. We have had young people referred to us who have been in secure accommodation or indeed have been on Tag Orders. Normally, an assessment is done on site at our own cost or an assessment is done at the secure unit or young person’s home etc.

I regret to say that, unless a solution can be found to the current funding crisis, Middlegate will be joining the 18 adult residential units who because of lack of referrals have been forced to close. The experience of our dedicated caring and experienced staff will be lost.

Middlegate had a meeting with Tom Aldridge, head of Young People's services in the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse last week. He mentioned that there are reforms in the criminal youth justice system in August. Although unable to assist in any way regarding unblocking the flow of referrals, he did say it was worth seeing if Middlegate could be of value to rehabilitate young people with drug, alcohol and substance misuse issues who have entered the criminal-justice system.

We are obviously concerned by the lack of foresight of the NTA. We believe very strongly that it would be better to treat young people before they are forced into the criminal justice system but it appears that current NTA and government policy has more of a punitive outlook.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and extend an invitation to referrers to visit Middlegate

.

Kind Regards,

Chris Robertson

Chairman

Middlegate

-Caring for Young People

Drug, Alcohol and Substance Misuse Residential Treatment.

Comments

[Sophie]

I have just read this article and am really horrified. I had no idea that Middlegate faces closure, this could be one of the worst possible things that could happen to such a wonderful place. I went into Middlegate for treatment in 2007, and thought there was no hope for me until i met this brilliant bunch of people dedicated to helping young people turn their lives around. They gave me hope when no one else did, and i truly believe they saved my life. Please don't let them close, Middlegate Lodge was the best thing that ever happened to me. I know they will continue to turn the lives of young people around as long as they are able to. P.S So sorry to all the staff at Middlgate that i have not been in contact for a good year or so, i feel so guilty and will write to you all soon. Lots of Love Sophie x x x

[Sarah Graham]

This is terrible news. We need more not less treatment options for young people.

I have just set up my own company- Sarah Graham Solutions; and am working with international partners.

One US company I'm in negotiations with visited the UK for The Neuroscience and Addiction Conference recently and was shocked to learn of the lack of provision here. They run 29 centres for teens in the US.

Anything I can do to help?

Sarah Graham

[Alison Quinn "Al"]

To Sophie, and all the young people that came through our doors. I along with all my friends/colleagues would like to thank you for all the memories that you have given us, I know how much we are needed and what a truly magical place we are and would just like an explanation as to why we cannot get the young people that so desperately need us.

[Mark and Jordan Egan]

We would first like to say a big thanks to all the staff at middle gate for helping me and my brother get our lifes back i hope your all doing ok i am very sad that middle gate lodge is closing but more angry that no one is pulling there finger out to help.
we will never forget you all lots of love Mark and Joran xxx always in our thoughts

[lance conyard]

its sad u lot are closeing down i came to Middlegate like last year and hade the best time of my live n its help me so much but did not no it at the time n just wanna say thanks to u all n im vevry sorry to here that u might be at am end e mail me plz xxxxxxxx lance conyard

[Trevor Philpott OBE]

I am truly saddened to hear of Middlegate's plight. Having experienced a similar situation with a charity (C-FAR) which I established in 1998, I can imagine how frustrated, disappointed and worried everyone must be. The lack of vision and foresight by those who refuse the help and do what is necessary, is shameful. The longer term payback on what is a relatively small investment in young people would be enormous. I wish you well.

[mark davidson]

just found out tried to phone. Will some off the staff get back to me. Can't believe it shut