Asalaam-a-lekum, as the holy month of Ramadan is nearly upon it is time for Muslims to reflect on their lives and how we may help ourselves and others around us. One of the major concerns in the South Asian communities is drug use and how this issue is tackled within the family and the community. It is acknowledged that there is a need for drug service provision for BME Communities, including anti- discriminatory strategies, publicity and breaking barriers associated with service access. Working with substance misuse is what we do everyday as a service, we realise that the issues concerning the BME communities are different to other ethnic groups such as stigma attached, shame to the family and denial, which sometimes hinders the process of receiving the professional help that is available. At Turning Point we offer a confidential service to anyone in the Wakefield and District area who are concerned about their own or another’s drug use, whether the drugs are illicit (Heroin, crack/cocaine, cannabis, etc) or prescribed (e.g. Tranquillisers).
Our services include:
· Specialist prescribing service
· Counselling, support, advice & information for those affected by drug use.
· Consultancy for professionals and other organizations.
· Liaison with other agencies and professionals e.g. housing, social services and probation.
· Complementary therapies
· G.P Liaison
· Residential Rehabilitation, assessment and referral.
· Hepatitis B screening and vaccination.
· Needle Exchange
· Outreach
Confidentiality
Turning Point’s Drug Service operates a policy of client confidentiality and respects a client’s wish to remain anonymous; however the project staff are under obligation to inform other relevant professionals of child protection concerns or client’s risk to others or themselves.
Philosophy
Turning Point Drug Service is orientated towards harm and risk reduction approach that views clients as individuals and seeks to maximize the quality of their lives, whether or not they wish to stop using drugs. A wide variety of interventions & counselling approaches are used to address the individual’s needs of clients and enable them to reach their own informed decisions. The staff are also keen to offer help, support and if appropriate, referral in relation to issues such as drug education and stabilization, residential rehabilitation, legal matters, housing problems and employment. The staff teams strive to ensure that working practices are non-judgmental and non-discriminatory.
Shahid Unees Substance Misuse Diversity Officer
My role as Substance Misuse Diversity Officer is to encourage the participation of BME Communities into Turning Point Services. I am working across the whole district establishing myself as a direct link for Diverse Communities to access drug services. I will be liaising with Community Leaders to increase awareness of Turning Point Drug Services. I am also going to be attending local community meetings and forums so that I can send a message that Turning Point Drug Services is open to everyone. If you have any concerns regarding substance misuse about yourself or a loved one please does not hesitate to contact me, my details are:
Mobile: 07980939977
E-Mail:
We turn lives around every day, by putting the individual at the heart of what we do. Inspired by those we work with, together we help people build a better life.
Turning Point is the UK's leading social care organisation. We provide services for people with complex needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems and those with a learning disability.
Wakefield Drug Service 24 Trinity Church Gate Wakefield WF1 1TX Tel: 01924 377704 Fax: 01924 374511
South Kirby Drug Service 1-2 Former Staff House Langthwaite Industrial Estate Langthwaite Road South Kirkby WF9 3AE Tel: 01977 642611 Fax: 01977 648630
Castleford Drug Service 4-6 Wesley Street Castleford WF10 1AE Tel: 01977 517422 Fax: 01977 517851
