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A week in the life of… Kensington and Chelsea’s Rough Sleeper Dual Diagnosis Service
Outreach worker Gavin Stewart and peer support worker Charlotte Northall share their week supporting clients with substance misuse issues
Monday
Gavin: I have around 15-20 clients and I spend the morning calling them to find out how they are. They often lead very chaotic lifestyles and their weekends usually involve drinking and using.
Next, I arrange appointments for the week. One of the major issues for this client base is remembering to turn up to their appointments. They may also need assistance with benefits and in attending healthcare appointments.
The recent economic downturn and the rise in the cost of living means clients are suffering greatly and are making less money begging – it is not unusual for me to meet a client who has not eaten that day. We educate them on the homeless food providers within the borough and places they can shower.
Tuesday
Gavin: We are preparing six clients for rehab. One of the biggest challenges is building their confidence so they believe they can get clean and sober.
Despite the negative incidents they have experienced such as living on the street, clients often have denial that it is the drugs that have led them there. They often blame others or think it’s just bad luck. Breaking this denial is vital for a successful recovery.
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Wednesday
Charlotte: In the morning, I organise the clients for group therapy. The session serves many functions: it helps prepare clients for the later groups they will experience in rehab, teaches them to tolerate their anxieties and find a voice within a group setting, and helps them to listen to others’ experiences and identify with them.
Thursday
Gavin: The mornings are spent catching up with admin. The afternoon is spent visiting our clients who are already in rehab. Visits help to continue the therapeutic relationship and provide an opportunity to meet with the counselling staff to find out how the client is progressing.
Friday
Charlotte: The morning begins with admin, followed by a call with Gavin so he can pass on any developments in clients’ situations.
I then ring clients to invite them to the lunchtime Narcotics Anonymous meeting. This gives them access to a support community and introduction to recovery independent of rehab and our service. Afterwards, we go for coffee. This is an opportunity for them to talk and relax.
I then call Gavin to complete a handover. He provides a level of practical and emotional supervision necessary for this work.
A week in the life series
Our ‘A week in the life’ series features housing professionals talking through what they do in their job on a day-to-day basis.
Find out about the different challenges housing workers in a variety of roles face in a given week.
We aim to feature staff from housing associations, ALMOs, local authorities and more.
Click here to nominate yourself or a colleague for inclusion
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