What is Switch?
We are a team of Drug and Alcohol workers working with Young People aged 10 - 18 years. We provide an holistic individual and flexible approach to Young People experiencing problems with substance misuse.
Switch can offer
- Alcohol, Drug and Solvent misuse advice and information on how to stop using, reduce use and minimise the risks
- Positive activities linked to other young peoples services i.e. Youth Service, Connexions
- Hepatitis A & B vaccinations
- Blood Borne Virus testing
- Pregnancy testing
- Chlamydia testing
- C. Card
- Needle Exchange
- Substitute prescribing
- Counselling service
- Holistic therapies such as acupuncture and indian head massage
Who is Switch for?
Individuals who have any one or more of these problems:
- Experiencing problems as a result of alcohol, drug or solvent use
- Having problems stopping or cutting down their alcohol, drug or solvent use
- Needing to use alcohol, drugs or solvents to feel ‘normal’
- Needing to take drugs to get through the day
- Injecting drugs
- Spending most of their time drinking, taking drugs or trying to get hold of them.
How does Switch work
- Young people can be referred to SWITCH by anyone - professionals, parents, carers or even the young people themselves
- A choice of appointment, time and place will be discussed
- Confidentiality is explained and agreed on the first appointment
- A keyworker will be allocated
- Individual care plan will be agreed
- Everything will be discussed, planned and agreed with the Young Person
What is expected from the young person?
- That they attend SWITCH appointments
- That they want to find out about, change or stop their alcohol, drug or solvent use