A NEW alcohol counsellor appointed to help the city's drunks has been a success.
Aided by a £100,000 grant, Karen Wenzel, of the Westminster Drug Project, teamed up with the police in October to deal with Chelmsford's social drinkers and alcoholics when they get locked up overnight.
The 31-year-old is yet to speak to the same 'client' twice – a sign that the programme is working.
And as well as boasting a proud record to date, her clients have successfully deterred her from drinking.
"I don't drink a huge amount, working with my clients has put me off," she said. "It's incredible what the effects of alcohol are."
A drinker who has just four pints-a-week can be categorised as a "binge" drinker, she said.
One individual she dealt with was a 40-year-old man who spent up to 20 years with a drinking problem.
After leaving prison in December, and with Ms Wenzel's help, he has since found a job and is totally free from alcohol.
