SERVICES
A SAFE SPACE
The threat of COVID-19 has prompted Phoenix Futures to make
their rehabs even more of a sanctuary, as Liam Ward explains
T
he coronavirus outbreak
has drawn attention
to some of the most
vulnerable groups
in our society. Those
most at risk include the elderly
and those with existing health
conditions, which includes people
with substance misuse issues. Here
at Phoenix Futures Residential
Services we are open and
continuing to accept admissions.
Rehabs are already safe places for
people with more complex needs
and we have reviewed our practices
to ensure we adapt to the specific
challenges of COVID-19.
Our services provide an ideal
environment for those whose
risk in the community has been
heightened by current events. A
recent survey found that 92 per
cent of our service users identify
as having experienced emotional
or mental health issues, with 67
per cent receiving a diagnosis for
their condition. Forty per cent
14 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • APRIL 2020
‘Rehabs are already
safe places for
people with more
complex needs and
we have reviewed
our practices to
ensure we adapt
to the specific
challenges of
COVID-19.’
of our treatment population are
recognised as having a physical
disability, and 55 per cent have
experienced homelessness, with
one in five presenting as no-fixed-
abode upon admission to our
services.
For those with housing
instabilities, mental or physical
health conditions and substance
misuse issues we can offer a safe
environment with all aspects of
care accessible under one roof. The
residential services offer 24-hour
staffing and peer support in a safe,
abstinent environment.
‘It has been a really difficult few
weeks for everyone,’ says Leanne
Smullen-Bethell, head of house
for our National Specialist Family
Service. ‘Staff have had to change
the way they live their lives and in
turn, so have our service users. This
has all happened at such a pace it
has been hard to absorb, but we
have supported each other to carry
on through this.’
The programme is being
adapted to further enhance safety,
while taking on board the daily
government guidance. ‘We have had
to decrease the size of groups and
workshops so as to promote social
distancing, and limit individuals
going out of the house for everyone’s
safety,’ says Leanne. ‘One of the
saddest things we have had to do
is to stop all visitors to the service.
This is an incredibly difficult decision
when parents are looking forward
to seeing children, but we all
understand this is about protecting
one another and saving lives.’
‘The community have been
exercising using online resources
and DVDs and making the most
of the beautiful gardens we are
privileged to have here at the
family service,’ she adds. ‘They have
also been able to speak with family
and loved ones using video calls,
which has boosted spirits.’
These innovative responses are
not limited to the family service,
with each of our Glasgow, Wirral
and Sheffield sites also adapting
to provide the best possible
experience for those placed with
us. With the benefits of fresh air
and exercise on people’s mental
health widely documented, our
large grounds allow us to practise
social distancing with ease, while
enabling residents to take their
daily exercise.
Allocated timings for phone
usage have been extended to
ensure loved ones are accessible
and we have increased access
to internet messaging services,
books, games and use of iPads and
televisions to give a healthy balance
between the demanding nature of
the programme and the need for
some personal time too. In Glasgow,
our service has been lent a number
of musical instruments by Vox
Liminis, and in Sheffield we have
extended our Recovery through
Nature initiative (DDN, July/August
2019, page 17) to provide more
regular and engaging content
throughout the programme.
By providing a safe space
for these vulnerable people,
we are supporting the services
in our communities who face
an increased demand for their
support. Rehab has always
provided a comprehensive package
of support for the most vulnerable,
and continues to be a valuable
resource for helping reduce the risk
to individuals and their families
throughout this difficult period.
‘During times like these it’s
as imperative as ever to ensure
individuals who need residential
treatment can still access our
services,’ says Dave Potts, head
of operations for the residential
services. ’We are, as always, very
pleased to be in a position to help
those who would be at risk in the
community.’
Liam Ward is residential marketing
manager for Phoenix Futures
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