wage , policies and processes , staff training , and feedback from people with lived experience .
Everyone was in agreement that the framework must prioritise dignity and respect for the people accessing these services , with the framework taking a position against controversial measures such as strip searches of residents . The framework became an open invitation to service providers across the sector , encouraging them to join together in a shared set of commitments and standards . The result was a network of providers offering a wide range of high-quality detox and rehab options , all with the assurance that residents would be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve .
Everyone was in agreement that the framework must prioritise dignity and respect for the people accessing these services ... taking a position against controversial measures such as strip searches .
TAILORED SUPPORT
Among the providers who are already part of the framework are several that offer unique , tailored support that takes special consideration of people ’ s complex needs . These include :
• Tom Harrison House in Liverpool , the UK ’ s first rehab and detox centre specialising in support for armed forces veterans .
about them . The portal features an online directory of rehab and detox services , including information about location and wait times , an overview of the support on offer , and photos of each service ’ s facilities .
The national framework webpage draws on the success we ’ ve already seen with the West Midlands framework , a regional network of providers made accessible via a central online portal hosted by Change Grow Live . The West Midlands Framework has already been well received by both providers and people accessing support services , and has supported more than 800 referrals since June 2022 .
NATIONAL ROLLOUT We ’ re now replicating this model on a national scale . People across the country will be able to fully explore their detox and rehab options and make more informed decisions about their journey and personal goals , while providers will be supported through the referral process in a more efficient and streamlined way . Within Change Grow Live , our staff are supported by our national lead , and have the opportunity to connect , share experience , and ask questions via a regular national forum .
As we respond to the challenges of a changing health and social care landscape , partnership working and collaboration will help us to make sure that no one who needs our support is left behind .
By working together , we can dispel the idea that detox and rehab are last-chance options for when all other avenues of support have been exhausted . Instead , these services should be considered as viable options at various stages of an individual ’ s journey , and detox services can also play an important role in enabling people to stabilise on their community delivered treatment options .
UPTAKE TARGETS Improving treatment outcomes , reducing drug-related harm and death and increasing the number of people in treatment are at the heart of the UK ’ s tenyear drug strategy – including a 2 per cent target for uptake of rehab interventions by people engaged in community treatment services .
Innovative partnerships like
• Phoenix Futures ’ National Specialist Family Service in Sheffield , one of the only residential rehab centres in the UK where people seeking treatment can do so whilst remaining together as a family .
• Ophelia House , an Oxford-based service that caters specifically to women and takes a trauma-informed approach .
the national framework can play a crucial role in breaking down barriers to treatment and ensuring we reach these targets . Between November 2022 and October 2023 , we have already seen five partnerships in which Change Grow Live deliver community treatment services achieve this 2 per cent target . Across the same period , we saw more than 2 per cent of people engaged in community treatment with us access an inpatient detox .
Crucially , the framework is continuing to evolve and grow to help us meet and surpass these milestones . We would be delighted to hear from any detox or rehab providers who are interested in joining the national framework , or from any professionals who simply want to find out more about this way of working . You can find more information about the National Framework on our website , or get in touch with me by email .
Together , we are committed to collectively shaping a future where detox and rehab are seen as empowering steps on the path to recovery .
Charity Easton is director of integrated practice at Change Grow Live , charity . easton @ cgl . org . uk
OPEN ACCESS Ensuring quality was an important first step , but the national framework is also about empowering people to make their own choices and achieve their own goals in a way that works for them . In 2023 we launched our online national framework portal – an interactive platform where providers and people accessing support can explore detox and rehab options , and have informed conversations
FEEDBACK
The feedback we ’ ve received from the providers we have partnered with has shown us that we can achieve more together than apart :
‘ The framework has been a great resource to reflect and showcase our services . We take pride in being part of the treatment provision offered within the UK . All those working on the framework have been really helpful with any questions and support .’ Druglink , a substance misuse charity based in Hertfordshire .
‘ Working collaboratively with the national framework has allowed us to support more clients seeking treatment for substance misuse . It is a great example of professional teams working together for positive outcomes .’ Somewhere House , a residential treatment service in Burnham-on-Sea .
‘ Since we added our rehab site to the framework , we ’ ve received referrals from local authorities that had not previously been able to refer over to us .’ Adferiad , a mental health and substance misuse charity based in Wales .
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