09 June 2009
As part of National Tackling Drugs Week, we take a look at how the services offered by Drugaid throughout the Caerphilly county borough are effective in turning people's lives around.
Drugaid, which receives annual funding from the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership, provides support, information and advocacy to those who are vulnerable and marginalised as the result of their own or someone else's drug and/or alcohol misuse, in order to improve their physical, social and emotional well–being.
A Case Study
John referred himself to Drugaid in January this year. When he was assessed, a number of issues were identified – John was involved with social services due to a breakdown in the relationship with his partner and child; any contact with his child had to be made in the presence of an appropriate adult; he was homeless and staying with friends and family; John was also struggling to control his alcohol consumption.
John attended regular appointments with his case worker. The appointments have offered John a variety of support to understand his drinking, including working through the cycle of change. John has reduced his alcohol consumption, and has since completed relapse prevention work, which has focussed on increasing John's social support and his awareness of what can lead to him drinking.
John was referred to Drugaid's Diversionary Activities Co-ordinator, to support him in finding alternative activities to do. He has attended a number of activities including organised group gym sessions, an induction and support to attend a local leisure centre and rock climbing, which is intended to build confidence, independence and encourage problem-solving skills.
He was also referred to a basic skills course as he stated that his numeracy and literacy skills were very low. John has attended a number of these sessions.
Since engaging with Drugaid, John has been granted unsupervised access to his child. This was on the basis of his progression and engagement at Drugaid, attending basic skills and diversionary activities and engaging with his social worker.
John feels that the support from Drugaid has enabled him to focus on what is really important to him and supported him to make the changes he desired. He particularly enjoyed the activities, which have enabled him to meet new people and gain confidence. He reports being abstinent for approximately twelve weeks.
For further information, contact Drugaid on 0870 0600 310 or 029 2086 8675.
*(0870 numbers are more expensive from a mobile phone but cheaper from a landline).
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