| Drug Outreach Service
Aims:
To make links with drug users in the Ballymena area who are not currently
accessing any services or those who are having difficulty accessing the
appropriate services.
Ethos:
Involvement with the Outreach
Service does not require the drug user to commit to getting clean, rather
the aim is to deal with the immediate needs that the person him or herself
identifies. While not condoning drug taking this simply acknowledges that
it takes place and the pragmatic response is to provide information and
advice about minimising risk.
| Objectives:
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| • |
To adopt a flexible approach
to meeting and engaging with drug users - this means that contacts
can be made where and when it is convient for the client. |
| • |
To offer advice and support on a variety
of issues such s harm reduction, health and general information. |
| • |
To access information for clients
from sources outside the remit of the service. |
| • |
To refer on to appropriate services.
If a particular area of need is highlighted, support will be offered
in making contact with other services. |
| • |
To support those who are isolated
within the community. Contact may be made and maintained simply as
a means of combating loneliness and isolation. |
| • |
To foster links with those agencies
working with drug users, including voluntary, statutory and community
based projects for the mutual benefit of all. |
| • |
To act as an advocate for drug users,
bringing pertinent issues affecting the drug using population of Ballymena
to the fore, in an appropriate manner. |
The Outreach Service will endeavour to
support and advise clients ina non-judgmental and confidential manner,
while working to minimise drug related harm and improve quality of life.
How to contact
the Outreach Worker:
You can contact the outreach worker from Monday
- Friday on. 079 7001 2670
Following initial contact by phone a follow up meeting can be arranged
at the outreach base.
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