'Lives at risk' if addict facility closes

Six of the centre's 12 beds are funded by the Belfast Trust, while the other six are funded by the Northern Trust - but it is only proposing paying for three beds in the coming year.

"In some cases it may lead to death, and that's without doubt - that's the final for some people if they don't get treatment," director David Cuthbert told UTV.

The centre, which is run by the Presbyterian Church, is trying to tackle the growing problem of addiction and says any loss of beds would be catastrophic.

"We are in crisis," the Church's Director of Social Services, Lindsay Conway, said. "We are in deficit funding as it is and the withdrawal of three more beds brings us to that point that we never wanted to be at and that's discussing do we stay open or do we close."

The Northern Trust, which has been carrying out a review of its addiction services since October 2009, argues it has to use its limited funding where it believes it is needed most.

Kathy Goumas from the Trust's Addiction Services said: "There is only a very small percentage who actually want and need a inpatient treatment program. We need to make sure that we have care right across care."

But a former patient at Carlisle House, who didn't want to be identified, insists it is crucial it remains open as it is the only residential facility for addicts in Belfast.

"For a lot of addicts, the home is maybe the main place that's centred around their addiction and I would say it's nearly impossible to treat most people for addictions at home," he said.

In a statement, the Health Minister said the Northern Trust's decision was taken to ensure "there's an appropriate balance between the wide range of community services which are also provided to those with drug and alcohol dependency".

The directors and the people who use Carlisle House are due to meet the Northern Trust on 10 March.