Philosophy
Wigan & Leigh Street Based Services seeks to provide services that are user friendly low threshold and open access. Wigan & Leigh Street Based Services will actively reach out to users in particular drugs / crime hotspots or from particular under represented groups (eg Women). The service has a strong record on involving users through both Service Users Groups and through a Peer Leadership and Volunteering Program.
Wigan & Leigh Street Based Services works closely with partner agencies in the Borough Including probation and the treatment service and with local communities in developing appropriate local reponses to problem drug use.
Clients are assessed at different levels according to the level of intervention required.
The minimum assessment would be a basic needle exchange form ensuring a high degree of confidentiality through to a Level 2 assessment and care plan for those requiring a higher degree of service input.
- Referrals are from a range of agencies and routes.
- Self referral.
- Our own outreach team.
- Substance Misuse Service.
- DIP/ CJIT and probation.
- GPs.
- Homeless services Assessment and Care Planning.
Needle Exchange
This operates daily in Wigan and Leigh. As well as needle exchange staff are trained to provide harm reduction advice and information and to seek to engage people in services. A nurse is available every wednesday afternoon from 1:30pm in Leigh to deliver testing and vaccination for blood borne viruses and basic wound care.
Advocacy
This is a central aspect to the work of Wigan & Leigh Street Based Services. Involves liaison and advocacy with a wide range of agencies across the Borough to improve uptake and quality of services to our clients.
Activities
Wigan & Leigh Street Based Services provide activities as a diversion from a lifestyle of drug use. Activities encourage users to develop new interests and skills and develop self esteem and confidence. The user group is supported in a weekly 'sharps run' where discarded needles are collected and safely disposed of from particular hotspots. As well as improving public safety this community action challenges public perceptions of drug users.
Outreach
The outreach team deliver follow up outreach to DIP clients who have or are in danger of dropping out of the program. The DIP link worker seeks to engage with and motivate those clients to remain engaged in the program and / or continue to engage with them at Tier 2 to address any related social and health issues. This outreach is often conducted in users homes as well as through partner agencies.
