Breakthrough ‘rehab in the real world’ service appoints Salix & Co to support UK launch

Help Me Stop (HMS), a new provider of affordable and accessible, intensive ‘dayhab’ treatment services for people with alcohol and drug addiction, has appointed health specialist consultancy, Salix & Co, to support its UK launch and provide ongoing public relations and stakeholder engagement support over its three-year roll out period.

Adapted from a tried and tested US model, dayhab has success rates that are as high, if not higher, than residential treatment, but at a fraction of the cost. Combining the proven 12 Step approach with cognitive behavioural and person-centred therapy, Help Me Stop’s flexible, ‘rehab in the real world’ approach means people can stay at home and continue to work should they wish while in early recovery.

According to recent Public Health England figures, more than half a million adults in England are alcohol dependent, costing society an estimated £21 billion each year. Angus Wrixon, head of growth, Salix & Co, comments: “Historically support for people seeking help has been limited to prohibitively expensive residential rehab or NHS and local authority services that can be difficult to access. At an average cost of £2,500 for five weeks’ intensive dayhab treatment, Help Me Stop will plug a much-needed gap.”

Tim Smith, chief executive, Help Me Stop, comments: “We were looking for an agency that combined an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the clinical and political landscape with a proven ability to raise profile rapidly and change public perceptions through the media. Salix & Co scored on all counts and we look forward to developing a long-term partnership with them to support Help Me Stop’s ambitious vision.”

Help Me Stop’s first centre is due to launch in west London in Spring 2019. Help Me Stop plans rapid expansion in London and the south east of England over 2019 and 2020 before expanding nationally.