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Initial contact
Clients will come to us via self-referral or referred to by another service. Their first contact with Rehabit is from a peer supporter who has lived experience of addiction. This matters. Our peer supporters understand how vulnerable, confused and most likely scared clients will be making this first big step towards recovery. They can connect with the client from the beginning, from a place of compassion and understanding. Early clients report that speaking with a peer supporter from start off made them feel welcome and more relaxed. This personal touch is especially welcomed by those who are used to moving from service to service. And for those reaching out for the first time, it is a relief to find out they’re not alone and are talking with someone who immediately understands their problems and with whom they can identify and relate. At this initial stage the basic facts of a client’s situation are discussed and captured (with their approval) as input into the first phase of the triage.
Step 1
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Peer support phase
The peer supporter who makes the first contact will then pass the client on to another peer supporter who can continue the conversation and arrange to meet them for a coffee. This stage is all about getting a feel how ready a client is to stop using drugs or alcohol and if they’re in the right place to start counselling. It’s also a chance for a peer supporter to invite clients to consider or return to a 12-step fellowship by sharing their own experience and hope. It’s important that this is done with delicacy and not oversold as this can be off-putting. And while we believe 12-step recovery is a good way to go, it isn’t a condition of using our services.
Step 2
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Triage
The peer supporter will then make notes for discussion at the triage session and include their own recommendation. This is then reviewed and if agreed, a counsellor is suggested based on what we feel would be the best fit for the client. We take into account their history and location when allocating a counsellor. Being small and agile, means that we can provide this thoughtful, considered side to our service.
Step 3
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Counselling first step
The peer supporter will tee up the client’s first session with the counsellor, making sure they’re comfortable and ready for this next step. The counsellor and client will have a first meeting where they will decide if they can work with each other. If a counsellor decides the client isn’t for them – or vice versa – it goes back to triage for re-assessment. Counselling then begins with a one-hour, weekly session for six, 12 or 24 weeks. For complex cases, we will review extensions.
Step 4
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Peer support - a light touch
Throughout the counselling process the peer supporter is on hand – as a light touch – to see how the client is getting on. This is boundaried and conversations do not include anything clinical or cover what comes up in the counselling sessions. This is about warmth and connection and reminding the client they’ve not been forgotten by the charity.
Step 5
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Post-counselling
Sadly, not everyone is going to get clean and sober from counselling. This is the reality. For those that do, we will offer more peer support to help them make their next step to recovery. As before, there needs to be delicacy here so that the client is supported but doesn’t become dependent. This can take different paths and, ideally, the client will find healthy maintenance through a 12-step programme.
Step 6
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Co-production and volunteering
We will invite clients to stay connected with our charity in different ways. We will provide volunteering opportunities with our charity for those who want it and, when funds are available, we’d consider employment. For those with good recovery, we’ll invite them to be a peer supporter themselves and coach them into the role. We will also invite clients to contribute to co-production projects and have an input to our strategy; especially our efforts to get closer into the community and provide direct help to those struggling with addiction.
Step 7
