Recovery Program – Stage 1

At Spinney Hill we believe that human beings are made up of three component parts: the body, the mind and the soul. As a consequence, we have developed a unique pathway that aims to address and overcome deficiencies in all three of these aspects. We believe that if there are deficiencies in any one of these three components parts, it will be difficult for an addict to make sustained changes.

Each individual referral to Spinney Hill completes an initial assessment at which time their needs are assessed. As we believe that before any work can be done around the reduction of drug use, these presenting issues need to be resolved. Without this initial work, change cannot be sustained.

At this stage those who have no money for food are given a daily food voucher so they can have a hot meal every day. They are given access to food banks, support with housing and benefits, and referrals to specialist health care professionals are made for those with health issues. Spinney Hill workers will also mediate with family members in order to resolve family disputes.

This is because we believe that before any work can be done around drug reduction these presenting issues need to be resolved, as without this initial work change cannot be sustained. The service user is also allocated a Peer Mentor. The Peer Mentor is a former addict who has been through the pathway and is now drug free and who will support the service user through his/her journey, giving the addict the benefit of his/her experience, from a unique perspective.

Once these presenting issues have been resolved the service user will be ready to move to Stage 2 of the pathway.