30 July 2024
One of our strategic aims is to reduce inequalities in treatment and recovery for marginalised people. By using techniques like assertive outreach, we are able to take our skills and expertise out into communities to ensure we are reaching those who need us the most.
Across England and Scotland, our specialist teams go into communities to seek out very vulnerable people and offer them life-saving support.
John's story
John* (34) was deemed at high risk of drug-related harm. He had recently been released from prison and had not attended his medical appointments or collected his substitute prescription - putting him at risk of overdose.
Kelly and Rishi*, recovery workers from WithYou, tried to establish a relationship with John by meeting him in his local community. He informed them that he no longer wanted to remain on substitute prescribing as he had stopped all opiate use and was smoking only cannabis. A follow up appointment was arranged with John and during this appointment, Kelly and Rishi were concerned that John was under the influence of substances. They arranged to visit him at home on that same day.
When Kelly and Rishi arrived, John and his partner informed them that they had been using a small amount of heroin daily. John’s partner stated that he had also been using other substances. Kelly and Rishi felt that John’s poly-substance use was increasing the risk to his health.
They gave him some advice on how to reduce harm and keep safe. They also spent time discussing the benefits of engaging with treatment services and substitute prescribing. John declined support from treatment services and the offer of Naloxone training.
Although it has been difficult to engage with John, the team from WithYou hasn’t given up. Through assertive outreach, Kelly and Rishi are ensuring that John knows support is available when he is ready to access it.
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