You can contact us on 020 3228 3020 and by email at RCDAS.Referrals@slam.nhs.uk

 

 

Our assessment drop in times are:

 

Monday: 09:00 – 10:30

Tuesday: 09:00 – 10:30 (Women only)

Wednesday: 09:00 – 10:30

Thursday: 09:00 – 10:30

Friday: 09:00 – 10:30

 

The quickest way to be seen is to pop in during our walk-in assessment sessions.

 

 

Our opening times are:

 

Monday: 09:00 – 16:30

Tuesday: 09:00 – 16:30 (09:00 – 13:00 women only)

Wednesday: 09:00 – 13:00

Thursday: 09:00 – 16:30

Friday: 09:00 – 16:30

 

We offer an appointment only evening clinic for those unable to attend during office hours and weekend groups and activities once you have been assessed.

 

 

 

IS THE SERVICE FOR YOU?

 

We work with a variety of needs alongside someone’s substance use, such as mental and physical health issues affected by substance use. You are welcome to contact us or come in for a chat if you are unsure, and we can advise and signpost if there are other specialist services you require.

 

 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

 

We know that racism, gender, sexuality, domestic abuse, mental health or religion can affect your addiction journey in terms of trauma. We recognise that being able to discuss this can be crucial to your recovery. Please tell us if these experiences are important to you and we will listen and act to support you

 

 

IF YOU ARE A PARENT

 

We do not make social services referrals just because parents are using drugs or alcohol. We do not assume your substance use makes you a bad parent. Many parents and families work with us without ever requiring input from Children’s services. If we have concerns that as a parent you require support to ensure your children are safe and thriving, then we’ll talk to you about any referral we intend to make, involving you and supporting you to understand why and what happens next. We will continue to support you while you are involved in any assessments or meetings so we can feedback about your progress. We will be honest and upfront with the aim that you and your children receive the best treatment the service has to offer.

 

INITIAL ASSESSMENT 

 

During the initial assessment, we will have an open conversation about your current situation and substance use. We will ask you about your goals and agree what we can offer in terms of support. All clients can have access to ‘Breaking Free Online’. Please ask your Key Worker for an access code.

 

CARE PLANNING

 

You will be allocated to a key worker and will create a care plan. We will agree a set of goals with you that are realistic and we will work towards achieving these goals together in an agreed time frame. This is your plan to input to and we should review this plan with you regularly.

 

 

GROUP WORK

 

We offer a range of group interventions to support you. These are tailored to your individual needs and stage of recovery. Groups are fundamental to making and sustaining positive changes to your drug and alcohol use. These interventions are most powerful when used in conjunction with one-to-one support. Not only do groups help to build recovery capital, but they also provide you with an opportunity to learn from peers and connect with others in recovery.

 

 

MEDICAL CONSULTATION

 

Doctors and Prescribers are available to offer support with physical and mental health concerns. You are likely to see a doctor if you need to detox for a substance, to make sure this is done in the best way possible for your physical health.

 

 

PSYCHOLOGY / COUNSELLING

 

In cases where emotional or mental health issues may be affecting your ability to recover, sometimes seeing a psychologist or counsellor can be helpful.

 

 

PLANNED DISCHARGE AND AFTERCARE

 

We will plan towards your discharge with you, to ensure you have the aftercare support in the community or in some cases funded residential options. If you fall out of contact with your key-worker, they will try to encourage you back. If we lose contact all together and have to discharge you, this doesn’t stop you coming back for support at any point. Ideally, we will work towards a planned exit with aftercare and recovery support, which will help you to sustain the changes you have made.

 

BLOOD BORNE VIRUSES

 

We know how important it is to recognise that people who use drugs and alcohol, often have difficulties with their physical and mental health.

 

Clients accessing drug treatment at our service are offered testing for Hep B, Hep C and HIV as well as treatment for Hep C and vaccination for Hep B.

 

Testing and vaccination are paramount in preventing the transmission of BBVs. Testing should not be performed only once, it should be repeated when necessary, as a person’s situation may change and risk around infection may increase.

 

NEEDLE EXCHANGE

 

Our needle and syringe exchange scheme offers injecting drug users access to sterile needles, syringes and other injecting equipment and the safe disposal of used needles and syringes.

 

The service promotes health protection for IV drug users, aiming to reduce the risk of passing on infections to others.

 

Staff can provide harm reduction advice and information around injectable drugs. We encourage clients to be honest about what they are using and we will ensure that the right equipment is given. Staff are also happy to discuss injecting practices and any concerns or questions there may be in relation to it.

 

Needle and syringe exchange is available through selected pharmacies and drug treatment agencies displaying the  needle exchange logo.