Dear Tony
It is so shocking! Having seen here how 30 year´s good work has been shut
down by one or two civil servants, I can share the desperation what you,
the staff and the residents are going through.
Here in Finland they shut down Kisko TC and Hietalinna was long
threatened, too. At that time we thought, that we have to try to save even
a small bit of TC method, thinking and attitude (small, short-term,
outpatient etc) in any which way we can, and then only hope and wait until
the civil servants have been changed or have come to their sences (as they
must eventually).
At this point and after huge cut-backs Hietalinna TC has got the funding
needed and is going well, but with Kisko TC we are still only waiting and
hoping...
Much love and courage to you all!
Katriina
Dear friends,
It is with a very heavy heart that I have to inform you that Phoenix House
Haga, Norway has lost its funding from the South Eastern Regional Health
Authority in Norway.
The decision was communicated last Monday from the Health Authority.
If it is not possible to manage to get this decision overturned before the
end of June, then the funding that Phoenix requires will cease from July
1st
2012, as I understand it at this time.
Although I recognize that drug free therapeutic community treatment is not
for everyone at all times during recovery, I am left astounded that a
treatment programme with such a long history of effectiveness during this
last 21/22 years, is to be closed by the stroke of a pen via civil
servants.
As many or most of you will know, for health reasons my direct involvement
with Phoenix Haga has been limited over this last 12 months, however
although I’m now retired from Phoenix Haga, I am committed to assist
Phoenix
Haga as much as is required through this very difficult time. Phoenix Haga
a
not for profit therapeutic community was open in 1990 and admitted the
first
resident group in August of the same year.
Former residents of Phoenix have created an action page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/457976380883491/ which can be found ( just
look for an icon of a loud speaker and go from there) the page has over
17.000 hits at present and very moving statements sharing people’s
feelings
and experiences. Although I realize that many of list members will not be
able to read the Norwegian language, please believe me when I say that the
messages truly embody the spirit of the therapeutic community.
I am able to visit Phoenix Haga on Monday 21/May and hope to be briefed on
the present situation plus receive the contact details of the relevant
political offices, persons and civil servants to continue to challenge
what
is a devastating blow to many peoples present and future recovery.
On behalf of the community of Phoenix Haga, graduates, staff’ families,
the
board of directors, I call upon and implore all friends and associates
to
support us during this very bleak time in our history.
Sincere thanks in advance,
Anthony Slater ( Former director –Phoenix House Haga, president E.F.T.C.)
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