Dual Diagnosis
Aim of the Service
To support clients to live independently in the community
Values
Recovery focused
Client centred
Diversity
Early intervention
Service Objectives
Promote self esteem and individual empowerment
Enable individuals to have greater choice and more control over their own lives
Prevent people losing their homes
Support individuals to access appropriate benefits
Provide a safe and supportive service
Engage with mainstream vocational and education services
Support individuals to access specialist longer term services
Work collaboratively with South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust (SWYMHT) and Lifeline Kirklees
Increase the number of people receiving support
Service Description
The service provides an effective floating support scheme to individuals with moderate to severe mental health and co-existing substances misuse needs. It will be characterised by a strong ethos of partnership working at operational level.
Referrals into the service will be received from the Specialist Dual Diagnosis Service, provided by SWYMHT. The service will also work closely with Lifeline, the largest provider of substance misuse services in Kirklees.
The service will be provided over 12-20 weeks so work will be intensive during this time and will involve signposting to other agencies offering specialist longer term support.
Clients will be visited in their own homes or, where accommodation is an issue, another appropriate venue. Early intervention will be key in reducing the requirement for crisis work and the disruption to the individual.
Client Group
The service will be open to individuals with dual diagnosis aged 18 and over and living in the Kirklees area. They will have identifiable support needs informing a larger Care Plan.
It is anticipated that clients may have previously had difficulty in accessing and engaging with services, and may be homeless or at risk of losing their home.
Support and Interventions
These may include:
Psychosocial Interventions
Motivational Interviewing techniques
CBT techniques
Practical support in accessing e.g. health services and information, benefits, housing, training, activities
Signposting to other specialist agencies
Longer Term Goals
To reduce admission and readmission to acute psychiatric wards and medical assessment units
To reduce the likelihood of persistent offenders re-entering the criminal justice system
To enable individuals to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives in their own homes
Diversity
The service will provide support which embraces the diverse needs of service users. It will also be proactive in ensuring it is accessible and accessed by members of all Kirklees communities.
Performance and Monitoring
The service is funded by Supporting People and will be expected to attain a Level C against the QAF standards at the commencement of the contract. The service will be reviewed at the end of the first year and by this stage should be operating at a Level B across all objectives.
Contact the service at:
Community Links Dual Diagnosis Service
Unit 38, Batley Business Park
Technology Drive
Batley
WF17 6ER
Telephone: 01924 448 977
e-mail dualdiagnosis@commlinks.co.uk
Manager - Andrea Whitney
