John Baron MP praises Synergy team at its AGM

and Steve Marsh [Chairman, Synergy] at the AGM”]

MP says local expertise must not be lost

On Friday, John Baron MP addressed Synergy’s AGM at the Canon Roche Social Centre, Laindon Road, Billericay. Synergy is the only alcohol specific agency in the South of Essex, and has been providing support for over 30 years. Also in attendance was Councillor Chris Jackman, local Town Councillors, Cllr Ann Coe [Brentwood Mayor] and Nick Alston CBE [the Conservative Candidate for Police Commissioner]. John is President of Synergy.

John said:

“The costs of alcohol misuse are high. The social costs are profound and affect many people.  Three quarters of A&E attendances between midnight and 5am on weekend nights are alcohol related – this helps to explain the £3 billion cost to the NHS of alcohol misuse. Meanwhile, alcohol related crime and disorder costs the country around £10 billion a year.”

“The whole team at Synergy have great expertise and help many people. They do a brilliant job in raising the profile of alcohol abuse and the lack of service provision. They deserve our fullest praise and support.”

Brenda Burton said:

“This year’s Annual General Meeting was another success and very well attended. Cllr Ann Cole, Mayor of Brentwood, gave a heartfelt speech about alcohol services and the disparity of services across Essex. John Baron MP spoke about the agency’s continued success in light of today’s economic climate. The main theme for today’s meeting was to advocate local services for local people, and to emphasise the short-sightedness of centralising, as opposed to drawing upon the vital experience of local agencies.”

“Additionally, it was an extremely useful meeting with Nick today, which provided the opportunity to discuss with him the close links between alcohol, crime, social disorder and domestic violence.”