NORTHLANDS CENTRE

Northlands exist to reduce and relieve the suffering caused by alcohol and drug-related problems together with addictive behaviours within the community. Our approach is characterised by flexibility, openness, creativity and care of the individual. We are particularly committed to finding new ways of understanding addictive behaviours and of implementing ever more effective ways of responding to them. We believe that we heal ourselves and grow towards our true potential when treated with dignity and respect.

Northlands began work in 1974 and was officially set up in 1975 with the purchase of Westbank Nursing Home at 68 Northland Road. This was a natural development from The House in the Wells, a night shelter set up the previous year for men with a drink problem who were sleeping rough in the city. The ambition of the Northland Road initiative was to provide something beyond shelter - its aim was recovery. It also looked to a wider population of problem drinkers than the street drinkers. A period of development - that involved staff training, establishing a network of wide ranging contacts in the field, organising conferences and seminars.