[annual review]
In the past year we've helped nearly 6,000 clients with alcohol or drug problems. Our Annual Review takes a closer look at the impact we've made in 2008-09 and the changes we've introduced to our organisation to help us meet the challenges of the future.
A year of positive change 
2008 saw NORCAS complete 30 years of delivering services to people who experience problems with alcohol, drugs or gambling. During this year, we said farewell to Penny McVeigh who retired after nineteen years as Chief Executive during which time she oversaw the growth and development of NORCAS to what it is today, and welcomed our new Chief Executive, Maggie Williams.
Unfortunately the pressures of modern living and extreme economic uncertainties being placed upon all sections of society means that demand for the type of services we provide continues to grow at an alarming rate. During the year some of our services recorded increases in referrals in excess of 30% over the previous year. The problems we are helping people to deal with are resolute in nature, highly personal, difficult and time consuming to support and have the potential to cause considerable harm to individuals and affected others if not handled professionally and sensitively. NORCAS has played a pivotal role in alleviating these difficulties for three decades through a committed team of staff and volunteers that everyday help individuals make profound changes to their lives. It is helping people to bring about positive change in their lives that underpins all that NORCAS does.
Positive change has also been an internal theme this year as we prepare for a different funding landscape in the very near future. The Board of Trustees and the Senior Management team have worked diligently throughout the year to refine our core principles with the aim of ensuring we have an absolute clarity of purpose that we can communicate clearly and which makes good sense to all stakeholders. We have also determined a new financial strategy that will, over time, see us reduce our reliance upon state funds. These initiatives require widespread and skilful communication and implementation and in this regard I am delighted to see the new look visual identity running through this year's annual report. This new look and tone seeks to provide clarity as to what NORCAS does, what it stands for and most importantly the positive way in which it can help individuals.
Read or download a full copy of our Annual Review 2008-09
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