AnnuAl RepoRt 2013 - DAPL – Drug & Alcohol Project · PDF fileDRug AnD AlCohol pRojeCt lIMIteD AnnuAl RepoRt 2013 Drug and Alcohol ... AnnuAl RepoRt 2013 our counselling staff

AnnuAl RepoRt 2013

Contents

3 Who We Are

5 Board of Directors Report

7 service Managers Report

9 services for Adults

11 services for Young people

13 What others say About DApl

17 Client testimonials

20 national Quality of Development Report

25 Volunteering and placements

26 Introducing one of our Volunteers

27 statistics

28 team DApl

29 Accessing DApl

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DRug AnD AlCohol pRojeCt lIMIteD AnnuAl RepoRt 2013

Drug and Alcohol project limited (DApl) offers one to one counselling, support, information and advice to individuals and families who are affected by substance use. the service is free

and confidential and offered by experienced workers.

When We startedthe organisation was formed in 1994 and originally served the area of levenmouth, however is now available throughout the

entire Kingdom of Fife.

Who We helpWe support adults and young people who

have alcohol, drug or solvent misuse issues. Further we work with individuals affected by another’s use, for example family members.

how We Are FundedWe are funded primarily by Fife Council and Fife Alcohol and Drugs partnership.

We also receive funds from the tudor trust. In addition we are extremely grateful for all

the individual contributions we receive.

Who We ARe

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DApl is an effective, caring, committed, professional and person focused organisation that constantly endeavours to improve and never rests on its laurels.

undoubtedly we are operating in a much more difficult funding environment than was the case a number of years ago, and therefore the challenge is to provide a quality service that meets a large demand, whilst ensuring that money is efficiently spent.

We are very heartened by the feedback that we receive from service users. Indeed this was evident during the last year when we invited the scottish Drugs Forum to independently survey our clients as to their views and the overwhelming response was hugely positive. We are committed to listening to our clients and want them to help shape the service we offer.

We are also really pleased to see how well our organisation is thought of by other

professionals throughout Fife and you will read some of these quotes in this report.partnership working is important especially in the demanding climate we are in and close collaborative working with other agencies is important to ensure that individuals get the best service possible.

We would like to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to our main funders for all their support to our organisation: Fife Council, Fife Alcohol and Drugs partnership and the tudor trust. Additionally we are grateful for all the donations we have received from members of the public.

Finally we would like to offer thanks to all our staff and volunteers who work diligently and with great dedication. We are proud of the team we have here at DApl and we are enthusiastic and confident about meeting the challenges that lie ahead.

BoARD oF DIReCtoRs RepoRt

the last year has been a year of progress for DApl on a number on fronts and we are proud of the service that DApl

continues to provide throughout Fife to people of all ages.

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this year has seen tightening of budgets, reduction in resources and numerous challenges along the way; however this afforded me the opportunity

to move the service in a new direction. We have developed new processes to support the effective running of the service, with a key aim of ensuring both client and funder’s confidence in our ability to deliver a cost effective service, where high standards are maintained at all levels.

A key development in 2013 was our merging the young person service and adult service into a single competence based delivery model, whereby each member of staff is

based within a community with the skills and competencies to work with both young people and adults.

2013 saw DApl deliver an innovative summer group work programme for young people and their family members. the summer programme supported play, and championed family engagement and positive parenting. the programme was a great success and positive feedback was received from both participants and the staff involved in its development.

After many years delivering our service on an outreach basis, this year saw DApl secure a base at Acorn Court, glenrothes. this development will allow us to offer our full range of services to the community and surrounding areas, promoting accessibility due to our central location directly behind the bus station.

2013 has been a year of development, creative thinking and innovation for all at DApl. this year has offered our service opportunities to implement new systems, explore new structures and deliver our range of services in a transparent, effective and

accountable manner.

seRVICe MAnAgeR’s RepoRt

this year we engaged with the scottish Drug Forum’s national Quality Development team with the key aim of having an independent service review. the process explored how effective we are at what we do, looked for development opportunities in how we deliver and considered where improvements can be made. As part of this process the sDF canvassed 125 clients who were actively engaged with our service. It was with great pride that all stated their experience with our service has been positive and that they felt valued and supported.

Demand for counselling placements continue to increase this year. We are fortunate to have student placements from universities from all over scotland. our placements are offered the opportunity to further their skills and gain real time experience working in a demanding field.

In 2013 DApl have also been fortunate to participate in the scottish Drugs Forum’s Addiction Workers training programme. AWtp is a dynamic programme that affords individuals in recovery an opportunity to gain placements and training in the substance misuse field. We, along with recovery services, are also involved in the delivery of sMARt recovery groups. the groups will offer our clients an additional support process.

As ever in our sector, just when you think you have met all the challenges, others are just around the corner. At DApl we look at these challenges as opportunities to develop and evolve with the aim to ensure our service continues to be experienced as effective, dynamic and client centred by the communities we serve for many years to come.

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our counselling staff are qualified in a range of disciplines including: humanistic, Integrative, Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBt), gestalt, transaction Analysis, Art therapy and person Centred Counselling.

the counselling service is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and psychotherapy (BACp).

DApl has premises in leven, glenrothes and Kirkcaldy which are operational Monday to Friday.

DApl meets clients at these premises and also at a variety of locations and sites throughout Fife, bringing our service into local communities.

Clients are seen for example at gp surgeries, social work offices, council buildings and at other voluntary agencies.

In addition to counselling, we also provide the following:

• Referral to rehabilitation, employability and support services

• Alcohol and Drug Brief Interventions

• Drug and Alcohol Information, support and guidance

• Condom Distribution

• Blood borne virus support and advice

• ear Acupuncture Detoxification

seRVICes FoR ADults

DApl provides counselling psychotherapy for anyone who is affected by their own or another’s substance use,

be it drugs, alcohol or volatile substances.

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tackling subjects like alcohol, drug and solvent use can be an area fraught with difficulties and worries for anyone that doesn’t work with it on a daily basis. We offer a range of services within various settings such as schools, youth clubs and residential settings for example.

DApl continues to provide services for young people throughout Fife who are misusing substances, or affected by another’s misuse (for example, a parent).

Referrals come from mostly secondary schools, although it has been noted that we have had an increased demand from a number of primary schools in Fife also.

Referrals additionally come from other professionals such as community education workers and the police.

In addition to the counselling support that we offer to individuals we can also offer:

• therapeutic group Work

• Family support

• Information sessions

• Consultancy

• training

• Alcohol Focus scotland’s Rory programme

seRVICes FoR Young people

For many years now DApl has offered support to teachers, youth workers and other professionals as a part of the service we offer to the community.

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WhAt otheRs sAY ABout DApl

I have worked closely with DAPL for a number of years now and have watched the service go from strength to strength. I am always struck by the warmth and enthusiasm of all of the DAPL team as well as their eagerness to learn and develop so as to best serve their target population. DAPL is an energetic and dynamic service and I am regularly impressed by their commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of their service users. I am confident that there are a great deal of people across Fife whose distress has been alleviated and whose lives have been improved by the hard work and dedication of the DAPL team and the valuable service they provide.

Dr Zoe HughesClinical Psychologist, Lynebank Hospital, Dunfermline

I have always found DAPL staff to be both professional and accommodating.

David Dickson Deputy Rector, Viewforth High School, Kirkcaldy

DAPL is a service with which we have a good working relationship. There is regular dialogue between management, and any issues, on either side, are quickly resolved. This allows our joint clients to receive the best support possible from both services and is, without doubt, the result of positive and transparent partnership working. April Adam Service Manager, FIRST

At Valleyfield Health centre we have a good relationship with DAPL and the service they offer is excellent.

Lynne Wellwood Valleyfield Health Centre, High Valleyfieldi

over the years DApl has worked with many professionals and organisations. here’s a few

of the nice things people say about us.

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NQD have worked with DAPL over the past year to assess the quality of service in relation to the National Quality Standards through Service User and Staff surveys. We found that people got a very good service from DAPL in all areas of the quality standards and where there were some areas where improvements could be made staff worked diligently and creatively to address them. It has been a pleasure to work with the organisation and I have been impressed by the care, compassion and skills of the staff team.

Neil StewartHead of National Quality DevelopmentScottish Drugs Forum

DAPL’s work is of great benefit to a number of our pupils and I thank them for their input.

Sheena O’ReillyPT Behaviour Support St Andrews High School

SMARTUK is proud to work in partnership with DAPL Fife-wide. We recognise DAPL as a key agency in Fife providing support and guidance to individuals enabling them to recover from alcohol and drug issues.

Jardine SimpsonSMART Recovery

Access to therapeutic counselling is a vital part of supporting peoples recovery from problematic alcohol and drug use. In its first year of delivering the revised counselling service brief DAPL has undergone significant changes whilst maintaining a high quality of service. The positive outcomes for clients the service is able to demonstrate are a testament to the hard work of volunteers, staff and board members, something which is very much appreciated by members of Fife Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

Mark StevenFife Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Co-ordinator

DAPL are a source of good information and a reliable service for our pupils and staff also where required. Pupils who have benefited from a DAPL counsellor have fed back to myself and other staff how helpful they have found the process.

Gill Cowan Pupil Services Manager, Bell Baxter High School

We have only positive comments to say as regards to DAPL. We have excellent communication/feedback with DAPL workers. When it has been necessary to contact their main office, the workers have always been very helpful. They are flexible regarding appointments to accommodate our client’s personal circumstances. Feedback from our clients is always of a positive nature which would indicate that their workers are easy to engage with.

Susan Rose Team Manager, Area Community Justice Team, St Catherine Street, Cupar

The support, help and advice you offer us and the wonderful work you do with our families is very much appreciated indeed and it has been wonderful to have you fit in so beautifully with the Pathhead Team and bring so much experience and skills to our families.

Mrs Julie Anderson Headteacher, Pathhead Primary School, Kirkcaldy

My experience of working with DAPL staff has been positive and my experience is that they have a professional approach. I have always had friendly and responsive attitudes to any enquiries I have made in relation to any clients I have referred, and flexibility in approaching the changing needs of joint clients.

Chris Davidson Frontline Fife

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I have very much appreciated the help from my counsellor. It has been priceless actually and desperately needed at times. I was made to feel welcome at DAPL and shown respect and concern. A very valuable service is being provided by the organisation.

Sally

Excellent service, staff are polite and very helpful. The quality of counselling I received helped me understand and solve the issues that were causing me problems.

William

Coming to DAPL has been a great support to me. I feel like I have my life back again. I struggled for such a long time. I am now alcohol free.

Jane

DAPL has helped me get back to being my old self again. I have given up drugs and am now much more confident.

Jack

What Adults say

ClIent testIMonIAls

our clients are at the heart of what DApl is all about. Read what they

have to say about their experiences.

2019


I’ve really enjoyed working with my counsellor. I don’t feel judged when I am speaking and I feel my confidence has improved a lot. I was having trouble at school but I feel better now. After the summer I am going to sit my highers.

Client aged 16, Male

My counsellor is really friendly and has given me lots of good advice. I was drinking at the weekend and getting into bother with the police but that has stopped now.

Client aged 15, Female

My mum and dad both take drugs and don’t really listen to me much. It’s good to see my DAPL counsellor every week so we can talk about stuff.

Client aged 13, Female

I like my counsellor. She helps me with my problems.

Client aged 10, Male

What Young people say

the nQD is funded by Big lottery to help improve service quality of drug services across scotland. the process of this review was to survey service users and staff at DApl through use of online surveys developed by nQD and based on the national Quality standards for Drug services (2005) and including waiting times information and reflecting on different outcomes for service users.

this was followed up through an all staff meeting which looked at the issues raised by service users and staff and developed an action plan. the nQD support services to make improvements utilising their knowledge of the local context and adding expertise and a wider experience from across scotland where relevant.

DApl were very keen to engage in this process and were able to keep to a tight timescale in getting people to fill in the surveys and within one month 125 service users had filled in the survey which comprises around 50% of the client caseload at any one time.

In terms of compliance this was greater than any comparable service which the nQD team has worked with to date. All staff contributed to the survey also.

During the past year the national Quality Development team of scottish Drugs Forum undertook an independent

assessment of service quality for DApl.

nAtIonAl QuAlItY DeVelopMent RepoRt on seRVICe QuAlItY

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some highlights of the final report include:

Standard Statement 1 – You will be provided with all the information you need to help you decide about using the service.

people felt they were given good and clear information about the service and were able to access it quickly and easily and it was available when most needed.

Standard Statement 2 – You will have all the information you need about arrangements for ending your contact with the service.

people felt very comfortable with the service and that it best met their needs. they also knew how to get back in contact and were clear on the complaints procedure.

Standard Statement 3 – You will be able to access safe, quality surroundings when engaging with the service.

the facilities offered by the service were good and people felt safe using it. service users also reported that they were treated with dignity and respect and on an equal basis with other service users.

Standard Statement 4 – You will be involved in a full assessment which makes sure that decisions about your care and support are based on your needs.

Standard Statement 5 – You will receive a written personal plan that clearly sets out what the service will provide to meet your needs.

people felt that they were listened to when developing their care plan and that it was reviewed on a regular basis. they were also clear what information might be shared about them.

Standard Statement 6 – The service will work with you to achieve the jointly agreed actions in your personal plan.

service users felt that their mental health was being addressed and generally that physical health was improved through contact with the service.

Standard Statement 7 – You will be able to discuss and plan your long-term support with service staff, involving your family, other organisations, services or representatives as appropriate.

Standard Statement 9 – The service will work with a wide range of partners, including other services, so that your needs are met.

the service helped people to make progress in housing, employability and Welfare/Financial issues, legal Issues/offending and parenting skills. Clients were also given good information about other organisations, how to access them and were supported to do so.

Standard Statement 8 – You will receive quality support and care.

Standard Statement 11 – Your views will be sought in order to constantly monitor the type, delivery and development of services.

people felt listened to as service users, well supported had realistic goals and received regular one to one support.

Standard Statement 10 – The service you receive has been designed with you, your family, and the needs of the local community in mind.

parents felt that children’s needs were met and they knew what information may be shared about them. Also that their families could be involved if appropriate.

the report also indicated some areas where improvements could be made to the service and over the past six months DApl has taken action to address these points as follows:

Standard Statement 1 – You will be provided with all the information you need to help you decide about using the service. While this was not a major issue staff were keen to use this as an opportunity to review

how people access the service. In order to smooth the process for people, meet and greet events were organised to help clients to understand the type of service they were accessing, what it could do for them and what the process was in terms of assessment etc.

In common with most rural areas travel to the service and the associated cost was an issue. In the absence of additional funds to pay for travel expenses staff expanded their use of community settings in order to offer the service as near to their clients home as possible. local solutions have been sought and include gp practices and Community centres which has enabled staff to maximise their presence in the areas required.

Standard Statement 4 – You will be involved in a full assessment which makes sure that decisions about your care and support are based on your needs.

Standard Statement 5 – You will receive a written personal plan that clearly sets out what the service will provide to meet your needs.

staff have improved the information available to people when they make contact with the service. Initial contact with the service has been improved by the introduction of pre Counselling preparation sessions. these sessions offer Alcohol Brief Interventions, Drug Brief Interventions, signposting and care plan initiation. After the first meeting

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people have an action plan and clear options they can take from first contact prior to engaging fully with the service and as preparation for accessing other services. staff also support people to access other services they have been referred on to and maintain contact to ensure continuity of care.

Standard Statement 6 - The service will work with you to achieve the jointly agreed actions in your personal plan.

sexual health and condom distribution training was provided for all staff. the assessment form now asks questions around sexual health more clearly and staff feel more comfortable about the information required, how to ask for it sensitively and discuss the options for clients. the assessment also asks clients more about their physical health, activities and what they do with their time.

A summer activities programme was run which introduced people to activities they can access themselves often at no or low cost.

Standard Statement 10 - The service you receive has been designed with you, your family, and the needs of the local community in mind.

staff discussed the available options to ensure equality of access for people with children and sought a number of solutions for this. they were able to identify local facilities where children could be cared for

while parents were attending an appointment with their worker including organisations which provide crèche facilities. Workers were sensitive to the needs of parents and organise appointments to suit them as much as is possible. In other cases where children were also being supported, parents’ appointments were timed to coincide to reduce the need to arrange childcare.

A copy of the full report is available from DApl on request.

50 10 15 20 25 30

has stopped

has improved

has not improved

50 10 15 20 25 30

has stopped

has improved

has not improved

Drug Clients

substance use outcomes of DApl service users surveyed by national Quality team

Alcohol Clients

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the reputation of the organisation in the field means that placements are attracted from universities and colleges throughout scotland.

Whilst we expect all counselling volunteers to be at least qualified to diploma level, we have increased the variety of opportunities available to include group work co-facilitation work and administration for example.

We recognise the importance of volunteers and see those who do volunteer as an integral part of the team. All workers whether they are in paid or unpaid positions share the challenge of delivering essential psychological, emotional and physical support to our clients.

Interested in volunteering with DAPL? Are you looking for a placement for your course?

If so, please contact:

Carol Ferrie Volunteer-placement Co-ordinatorEmail: [email protected]: 01333 422277

VolunteeRIng AnD plACeMents

IntRoDuCIng one oF ouR VolunteeRs

DApl has always been grateful to have a cohort of volunteers who help to complement the work of the paid staff in the organisation.

therefore we are especially glad that we have been able to improve the support we give to volunteers and placements from colleges and universities thanks to the tudor trust who have contributed

funds to the organisation to allow us to employ a Volunteer-placement Co-ordinator.

Mark savory

What made you choose to volunteer at DAPL?I was studying for a post graduate diploma at Abertay university and DApl was recommended

to me by a student from a previous year as a good place to do a placement. I’ve since completed my placement but decided to stay on volunteering with the organisation.

How supported have you felt by the organisation?I have always felt very much included at DApl. there’s a great atmosphere and a real camaraderie amongst staff and volunteers. everyone is really approachable and very supportive.

What advice would you give someone just starting to volunteer at DAPL?Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t

feel as though you have to be perfect from the outset. It can be challenging at times and it isn’t the easiest of areas to work in but it can be very rewarding.

What would you say is the key to managing working, studying and volunteering?It can be difficult at the beginning to get the balance right but over time that will come. It is important not to overload and use the supports available.

Have there been any particular highlights at DAPL?Yes there have been a number of highlights. It is great to see positive changes happening in lives of clients – you think: “that’s why I am here”.

What are your future goals?I want to keep developing my skills as a counsellor and gain more experience here at DApl. I am working towards accreditation and hope to eventually get paid employment in the field.

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Adults

79%reported an improvement in psychological health/emotional wellbeing.

83%reported a reduction in risk taking behaviour.

Alcohol Counselling

79%reported a reduction in the use of alcohol.

Drug Counselling

82%reported a reduction in the use of drugs.

Young people

87%reduction in use of alcohol and/or drugs.

89%reported a reduction in risk taking behaviour.

87%reported an improvement in psychological health/emotional wellbeing.

Board of Directorslouise Walkupsteven WalkerKathleen Mcleary Carol hutchisonjoan Clarkjohn Inglisewan Masson

service ManagerMartin Denholm

Area Co-ordinatorsjohn Kennedygraham taylor

Business Co-ordinatorliam thomson

CounsellorsChristine Bowie Winnie DalyDiane DiplacitoCarol Ferrie (placement/Volunteer Co-ordinator)linda gardnersusan Innesjennifer johnston sheila MairMandy MorrisonChristine patersonBarbara taylorgraham Wordie

Clerical stafflesley shieldstaylor Boyce

In addition, DAPL’s staff are supported by a number of volunteers and placements.

stAtIstICs teAM DAploutcomes of counselling for adults and young people. the people who make it all happen.

Dunfermline

Glenrothes

Kirkcaldy

Levenmouth

North East Fife

West Fife

11%

9%

15%

29%

21%

15%

Client Area

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simply phone 01333 422277 email: [email protected]

Why not Visit our Website?

With around 500 visits per month our website is full of information and links

to other relevant services.

the website is updated regularly with news items about what the organisation is doing.

www.dapl.net

ACCessIng DAplMaking an appointment to access the

services we provide is very straightforward.

Drug & Alcohol Project Limited 1-2 parkdale Avenue, leven, Fife KY8 5AQ

Follow us

Registered charity number: sCo23317 Company limited By guarantee: 357883

BACp’ is the registered trade Mark of the British Association for Counselling and psychotherapy

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AnnuAl RepoRt 2013 - DAPL – Drug & Alcohol Project · PDF fileDRug AnD AlCohol pRojeCt lIMIteD AnnuAl RepoRt 2013 Drug and Alcohol ... AnnuAl RepoRt 2013 our counselling staff