History of CCAD

Cowal Council on Alcohol was formed in 1972 providing a counselling service for alcohol problems. Over the following 20 years we recruited and trained more volunteer counsellors to meet the needs of an increasing client base. The service also diversified to include the provision of counselling for drug users and changed its name to Cowal Council on Alcohol & Drugs. In 1998 CCAD moved to Ballochyle House and in the 2000s went through a period of more rapid development, expanding  its services, increasing its client base, and establishing strong working relationships with external agencies.

In the year 2000 our joint-working strategy began with a Homelessness and Harm Reduction Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) and a Blood Borne Virus CPN joining the team at Ballochyle House. The Community Rehabilitation project began in 2001 and in 2002 we launched the Supporting People and progress2work services. The joint working team was further developed by the addition of a CPN for drugs in 2002 and a CPN for alcohol in 2004. We ran a successful pilot project in 2005 offering complementary therapies which was subsequently permanently established. Also in 2005, in line with our joint working strategy, we welcomed the addition of  a specialist addictions social worker. In 2006 we ran a successful dentist referral pilot which has now been included along with our other services. In 2006 we were joined by a CPN with a health remit for gypsies and traveller communities in the area.

These additions to our service offering have resulted in additional staff and volunteers as well as an increased level of partnership working with external agencies and more comprehensive processes and procedures to ensure we adhere to regulatory requirements. During the year 2006/2007 we consolidated existing services and are planning for future development.