Dear Tony

 

This news is very sad indeed but unfortunately it is happening in many places. I was speaking to Bob who is in the process of winding up Phoenix House South shields. It is a tragedy and short sighted but commissioners want cheap services, usually ambulatory or day programmes and do not understand that  investment in TCs is necessary  as  front line resistance against crack and heroin  for serious addicts. Then we have funding crises across Europe and beyond. I always thought that Norway was somehow exempt protected from the worst of the austerity measures

 

My heart goes out to residents, staff and the many graduates.

 

I hope you are better now.

 

With love and kind regards

 

Peter Martin

 

 

 

 

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 1^st 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.)