A DRUG and alcohol rehabilitation unit has pleaded with Anniesland residents to give it a chance when it moves to the area this summer.

The Evening Times was invited inside the Phoenix Futures centre on Keppochhill Road prior to its controversial move to the former Munro Court care home site.

The tour was conducted by two former residents, known as graduates, who stressed the positive impact the centre has on both those who call it home and the wider community.

Alexander and Carolyn, whose names have been changed to protect their identities, now volunteer at the centre after spending a total of 10 months between them as residents just over a year ago.

The duo explained how a highly-structured holistic approach was taken, with the individuals being placed on a hierarchy system to gain trust in order to receive rewards such as being able to leave the centre.

"It's a tough experience but it works," said Alexander.

"I didn't want to come in here. I didn't think it would be any good but after spiralling with drugs and alcohol for years, I knew I had to.

"Now I've never looked back and I come to volunteer to help other people."

Both Alexander and Carolyn understand the fears of the Anniesland community - despite admitting it can be hurtful to hear during the recovery process - but they insist the centre is not what residents are expecting.

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Alexander said: "We really do want to change. We're here to work through our issues and be of benefit to the community.

"We understand why people think the way they do but I think once people see what we're all about they'll change their minds."

Carolyn added: "[Phoenix] keep us safe from the outside world. Everyone is safe, we're not a danger."

"A typical day in the centre is designed to get residents used to working life, with an early rise followed by a strict regime of chores and therapy sessions before downtime in the evening.

"While the centre also works to ensure it provides a positive impact on its local community, from its award-winning Recovery Culture project to Easter egg hunts for local families."

A spokesman for the charity said: "As a charity we support people in our residential care services who have demonstrated a strong motivation to want to recover from substance misuse.

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"People who come to us come from all walks of life. Drug or alcohol addiction can affect anyone. Our residents been thoroughly assessed and prepared to access the service. They stay with us and work through a programme of group activities, and one-to-one support, in a strictly monitored drug and alcohol free environment.

"Social visitors are not allowed at the service. Family members who have been assessed to be a positive support to our residents can visit at pre-arranged times for set periods.

"Every day is planned and residents are busy for the whole day. The interventions we provide are approved and evidenced by medical professionals and aligned to best practice.

"Our goal is that our residents leave us drug and alcohol free and with the skills to get back into employment or training. Our residents go on to create meaningful and productive futures for themselves away from drugs and alcohol. We’ve seen this work over the last 50 years and our success rates are very high.

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"We will be moving our existing service and full staff and management team to Munro Court. Our staff our experts in addiction and provide 24 hour cover 7 days a week.

"The nature of the service, the highly structured programme and our expert staff mean that our neighbours should have no concerns for their security.

"We add a huge amount to communities in which we work. Our award winning Recovery Culture project has seen us work with conservation, sports and arts groups across Glasgow. For example we regularly work with conservation agencies to improve access to the countryside for the whole community.

"We are very keen to engage with local residents and community representatives around Munro Court and we’ve started to do that. We are committed to be good neighbours in Munro Court.

"We don’t expect people to understand how we work, it is our responsibility to explain and communicate so that people’s fears are allayed. Having taken part in larger public meetings our next step is to speak to individuals and smaller groups about their concerns and we have offered for people to visit us and see what we do."

However, Councillor Paul Carey said residents are not opposed to the "good work" the firm does, the location and lack of consultation has left the community feeling angered.

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He said: “Phoenix Futures, in my opinion, are not listening to the communities views. Indeed, I had to contact them directly as the local councillor.

"In my opinion, Phoenix Futures did not adequately respond to the concerns raised at the public meeting.

"I feel that this whole episode has damaged the good work that Phoenix Futures has done throughout the city in the last number of years.”