A new alcohol partnership See page 5

How to become a volunteer See page 10

DHI Friends
DHI friends newsletter #4 Autumn 2013 www.dhi-online.org.uk

Inside this issue

A place to call home 1 A word from our CEO 3 A look into the experience of a student placement at DHI 4 An exciting new alcohol partnership 5 Focus on... Clinical Commissioning Group Chair (B&NES) Dr Ian Orphen 6 A look at our Social Prescribing service 8 Celebrating our new service in South Gloucestershire 9 Calling all Volunteerers 10 Donation Form 11 News in Brief Coming up next time 12

A place to call home

Service user Jeremy shares his story of how DHIs services helped him on his journey finding somewhere to call home, and overcome his battle with addiction.

aving spent what had been almost a lifetime battling A class drug addiction, alcohol problems, crime, prison sentences, sofa-surfing and homelessness, Jeremy decided it was time to start a new chapter in his life motivated by his love for his two children.

DHI support hub: The Beehive. This was to be the door opening to change his life. Initially after coming out of prison, Jeremy was living in temporary housing in Chippenham and travelling to Bath to engage with the Criminal Justice Team. However Jeremy was on a script and wanted to get clean. Through speaking to his Criminal Justice Worker Jeremy found out about Burlington Street (which is a DHI abstinence based supported house in Bath, often referred to as a dry house), as he wanted to [go] somewhere that was manned 24/7 and gave support whilst in housing. Jeremy was able to move into Burlington Streets detox facility to take part in a 10 day detox programme.

In January 2012, Jeremy came to a turning point in his life he had just been bailed on license after a three year prison sentence and he wanted to get clean. As part of his strict bail conditions he had to regularly engage with DHIs Criminal Justice Team by attending group and 1:1 key working sessions as well as biweekly drug tests at the

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Jeremy successfully completed his detox, and moved into the shared living area of Burlington Street which meant he was able to have regular contact with his children who were now in foster care with his sister. After some time, being clean meant that Jeremy was ready for a more independent way of living so he moved into Barton Buildings (another DHI supported house in Bath that provides drop in support visits from key workers). Jeremy commented that living in this type of accommodation was a progressive move on trying to get you ready for whats to come youve got to get all your own food you cant keep going into the office for things youre preparing yourself really. Barton Buildings allows overnight visitors to stay which meant that Jeremy was able to strengthen his relationship with his children by allowing them to stay over and start to create a shared living space with them. Whilst living in this residency Jeremy voluntarily took part in a variety of DHI activities such as cooking and the DHI Home Achievement Programme (HAP) to aid his recovery. Jeremy is now a peer mentor with the HAP scheme which involves going along to the meetings and helping those who are taking part in the programme, he said its nice to come back and help others. Part of the founding reason behind DHI was to bridge the gap between substance misuse and housing, and Jeremy is proof that this process is working and making a difference to peoples lives. Jeremy is currently living in Barton Buildings, but is in the process of getting his own house through local authority social housing as he now has residency of his children. He describes his time with DHI as having helped me on my road to recovery without them it could have been a different story!

Criminal Justice Team

The Criminal Justice Team works with offenders in B&NES who are sentenced to receive treatment in the community as part of their sentence as an alternative to prison. These are called Drug Rehabilitation Requirement orders or Alcohol Treatment Requirement orders. These are six-month orders, and the offender has to come to DHI at least four times a week for various activities such as group meetings, one-to one session with staff and testing to make sure they havent taken alcohol or drugs. If they fail to attend they are usually returned to court and given a prison sentence, but for many this is the first step on the road to recovery and a return to independent living.

A word from our CEO

DHI has always believed in supporting people to be as independent as possible, achieve their potential and participate meaningfully in their local community.

Supported housing service

DHIs supported housing service works with residents so that they are able to manage living in independent accommodation. DHI does this by supporting people to build up independent living skills, social and support networks, accessing education, employment and training opportunities.

ike the vast majority of individuals, our clients are no different than most people in their wish to contribute and participate as fully as possible in society, but for a variety of reasons, need a little support and encouragement to do this. In this respect, Jeremys story featured on the front page, typifies both the richness and complexity of his own life, as well as the way in which DHI can help and nurture people to thrive and flourish through an holistic approach, providing both practical and emotional support. To view drug or alcohol use in isolation from issues such as housing, poor employment prospects, relations with family and friends, is simply to work with a label, not a real person. Likewise, DHIs partnership with The Orchard Medical Centre (see page 8) providing social prescribing recognises Like the vast majority of and responds to the fact individuals, our clients are no that a persons health different than most people in their needs often extend beyond medical wish to contribute and participate as interventions. fully as possible in society, but for a By linking such variety of reasons, need a little patients up with support and encouragement non medical facilities comes from rich connections and services available in to do this. with other humans; family, the wider community we friends or the wider community. support GPs in their role. Given No one profession or service is equipped to the tough financial and demographic address the wonderful complexity that makes up the challenges for health services that Dr Orpen touches average human, and neither is one more important on in his interview on page 6, I believe there is a than another. In times of scarcity, it is all the more desperate need to bridge the divide between the important we remember that the more services work medical and the social. We cannot seperate a persons together, the better the likely outcome for everyone, health needs from, say, their need for a safe, secure particularly those most in need. home or from a deep need for meaning in life that 3

Through just being himself and his determination Jeremy has gained a lot of respect and admiration from peers and staff members at DHI for his successful journey so far and I know that he is eager to move out and into a family home with his children!
Penny Walster Supported Housing Team Leader

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A lo ok into the exerience of a student placement at DHI

University of Bath second year student Sara Ali talks about how and why she is on a placement at DHI, and what the experience has been like so far.

An exciting new alcohol partnership

here were around 1.2 million alcohol-related hospital admissions in England in 2010-11 while close to 15,500 people died from alcohol-related causes in 2010. Estimates suggest alcohol-related harm overall costs the NHS in England 3.5bn a year. 1 As a response to this, and through funding from the Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (B&NES CCG), DHI has placed two full time Hospital Liaison Support Workers into the Royal United Hospital (RUH) to work as part of a specialist team providing an exciting new Alcohol Liaison Service. This innovative service is a partnership between DHIs Recovery Service, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trusts Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) and the RUH, and has been designed to: Provide alcohol interventions providing assessment, sharing advice, giving one to one support sessions and ongoing support to clients wanting to engage in alcohol treatment in the community Facilitate access to treatments services with the aim of reducing the number of emergency visits and admissions per year at the RUH  Improve the quality of care for those with alcohol needs by using specialist recognised screening processes

n my short time here its so apparent to me that what makes a charity like DHI work is its diversity, the diversity in backgrounds, in experiences, in point of views, and of course the diversity in the services DHI provides. This diversity creates the dynamic team of DHI staff and volunteers, and DHIs ability to adapt and develop innovative ways to provide services to our clients. As a Business Administration student at the University of Bath, my course entails taking on two six-month placements. Social enterprise and the third sector are areas that have always been of interest to me and I was hoping to work within one of the two for my first placement. On my way to campus in May I noticed I had a voicemail from DHIs Volunteer Co-ordinator Mike Strathdee, whom I had heard about from Enterprise Bath (a service available at the University that support students in enterprise and entrepreneurship) and met at a Charity networking event held by the University.

The Alcohol Liaison Service team ensure that anyone who is admitted to the RUH showing a risk of alcohol misuse, or receiving treatment for alcohol related conditions, will be offered guidance, sign posting and information and advice whilst in hospital. They will also be encouraged to access support in the community when they are discharged from hospital such as attending DHI groups at The Beehive in Bath. DHI B&NES Service Manger Alex Newman describes the specialist service as a fantastic opportunity for alcohol clients to receive seamless services from the RUH into DHI, and will increase the number of patients accessing community treatment services. We strongly hope that this service will improve links with GPs and our Burlington Street dry house for referrals into detox, or accommodation for clients having completed a detox in the RUH.
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DHI is not just about helping people, but also understanding them and making clients realise their potential and regain their zest for life
I remembered speaking to him about all the various volunteering opportunities that were available in DHI, which I wanted to do once I returned from my first placement. Unsure about what to expect from his voicemail, he mentioned seeing my CV and was interested in discussing a possible placement. 4

And just like that, one voicemail made my day and gave me the opportunity to work in a role that provides a distinct insight to social enterprise and charity, where I get to observe and be a part of the big picture, as well as the brush strokes. Coming from the relatively sheltered background of Dubai, I hadnt been exposed to homelessness to the extent I have been since I came to Bath. In a way my lack of experience within a society where so many people are forced to live on the streets for the very many reasons that leave people vulnerable, inspired me to work with DHI when I got the opportunity.

Early indication suggests this is new service is having a significant and positive effect.

ALCOHOL TREATMENT IN ENGLAND 201112 NHS National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse http://www.nta.nhs.uk/uploadalcoholcommentary2013final.pdf

Welcome to our two new Hospital Liaison Support Workers Sophia and Tanya

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Focus on... Dr Ian Orpen

We talk to Dr Ian Orpen, Chair of NHS Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP .
Why did you become a GP?

You just need to keep reminding people of what you do so they keep remembering.

I became a GP because I like dealing with people. I enjoy the continuity and when you have done the job for a long enough while, you see people youve delivered who are now starting their own families. Its a tremendous privilege. Ive done it for 24 years and have really enjoyed it.
How can DHI work closer with GPs to support patients with drug and alcohol issues?

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role as Chair of the Clinical Commissioning Group?

Every GP and individual practices will work in a slightly different way. Being flexible is one thing, and adaptable and having a variety of ways to access your service is important, especially with information that is robust and to the point.
With an ageing population and dwindling resources, what do you think should be done in partnership with other services

In my role at the CCG, we have a wider population responsibility, controlling a 220m budget for 200,000 people. You have to do your best to shape services to meet the population needs, rather than just the person in front of you. We are being forced to think imaginatively which is a great opportunity. Getting it all set up and running was very hard work but exciting. Working with the council has been a new thing for me personally as I had no previous experience. That has been really interesting. There is a strong recognition that we need each other.
You recently spent time on a fact finding mission in the community. Can you tell us more?

Anything that means patients need to come to busy GP surgeries less is quite a significant thing and would be welcomed. Theres a lot of help out there, these things are clearly often advantageous, and its important to have effective signposting too. Its vital to keep on reminding people what good services there are, and ensure people are informed effectively.

As a Board, we committed to get out from behind our desks and spend time in the community. I spent half a day going out with the district nursing team. It was very impressive to see them working across surgeries, their skills and the huge range of things they treat and deal with. It was an enjoyable morning and an insight into the range of challenges they have to face on a daily basis.
A final word about DHI

I came to DHIs Annual Event and awards ceremony last year. It was inspirational to see what has gone on there and all the great work that goes on. I think you guys do fantastic DHI Note: DHI has a social prescribing service in South Gloucestershire called the Wellbeing Project which you can find work and Im really impressed by the level of support people have available to them and the good work you do for some of out about on page 8. This service has been shown to reduce the most vulnerable individauls in our community and how GP consultation rates by approximately 50% for people with this has transformed their lives. long term conditions.

For more information on referrals see the For Professionals page of our website www.dhi-online.org.uk/professionals

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A lo ok at our Social Prescribing service

Doctors at The Orchard Medical Centre are able to refer patients with non-medical issues to DHIs Wellbeing team.

hen a patient attends a doctors appointment, they often go in with the hope of coming out having been fixed or cured. The reality is that doctors spend an average of eight-ten minutes with each patient1 . For some, this amount of time is not always long enough to explore the reason/root for social issues that may be harming their health and wellbeing - these may be things that can cause a patient to experience low mood or depression, physical pain. The underlying cause may be a bereavement, difficulties caring for someone, isolation, and/or problems with finance, benefits and housing for which there is no medical cure. For these patients, DHIs Wellbeing

Project (known nationally as Social Prescribing) can be life changing.

By supporting patients this way, it can greatly improve their quality of life and increase their confidence in Doctors at The Orchard Medical Centre managing their health. As a result, are able to refer patients with non medical many patients find they make fewer visits to see their doctor, so as well issues to to DHIs Wellbeing team. Here as being a meaningful service it is they will discuss the underlying issues also cost effective. that may be causing or exacerbating symptoms with a Wellbeing Project Service Practitioner who will share their It is truly satisfying to see some extensive knowledge of local services and patients make steps with the support resources with the patient, and provide of DHI that we wouldnt have a holistic approach to linking them imagined. The impact on their health, with non medical support within their mental health and health seeking behaviour can be significant. community. This may include setting up a befriending service, joining a local Sharon, The Orchard Medical Centre Practice Manager group e.g. an exercise class or library or giving advice and signposting into housing and debt advice services. Take from the NHS website www.nhs.uk
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Celebrating our service in South Gloucestershire

Wellbeing Project Client Profile

l Mrs K was referred to DHIs Wellbeing service from her GP due to increasing depression and antidepressants, and had recently begun to self harming. At the first appointment with Mrs K, the wellbeing practitioner identified that Mrs Ks marriage had recently broken down, leaving Mrs K, a mother of three children under the age of 5, on her own and unable to cope. She was going through a traumatic break up from her husband and when he left the family, it was discovered that he hadnt been paying the rent or bills for around three months. Mrs K went into the depths of depression, had begun to self harm and said she was on the brink of handing her children over to social services. DHI supported Mrs K in accessing Bristol Debt Advice, who were able to set up a manageable debt repayment plan. In addition, DHI made a referral for her to access counselling and a befriending service to provide her with some emotional support. Mrs K reported: I felt like everything was falling apart. I wanted to bury my head in the sand and risked losing everything. I didnt know who to turn to. If I hadnt had the support from my wellbeing worker, we would have been made homeless and I would have had a complete breakdown. I couldnt bare my children seeing me like this and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the help I received and to for my GP for referring me. My children are happy because Im happier. I am paying off my debts and my housing is safe. I have even put myself onto a course.

estled alongside a care home and houses in Warmley, South Gloucestershire, is Developing Health and Independences treatment service site. The building and gardens on Tower Road North have been treated to a refurbishment thanks to funding from South Gloucestershire Council. To celebrate its new face lift, staff partners, service users, friends and professionals were invited to an open day which gave them all the chance to meet the staff, see the range of services that are offered and enjoy a live acoustic guitar set. More than 50 people joined the celebrations and were welcomed by DHI CEO Rosie Phillips who thanked Matt Wills (Commissioner Drug and Alcohol Action Team) for the money provided for the refurbishments. DHIs new South Gloucestershire Service Manager Gareth Ellaway said that the day was a real success, with a good crowd enjoying the sunshine and some great

music provided by a service user from Project 28 in Bath. There was a good mix of DHI staff members, service users, commissioners and staff from partner agencies. Feedback was really positive and it was good publicity for the newly refurbished treatment centre in Warmley. 9

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Calling all volunteers!

Things are looking up for volunteers at DHI.
l T he Board of Trustees at DHI have recently approved a new programme for recruiting and managing its volunteers. We now have a full time Volunteer Coordinator, Mike Strathdee, who has been spending his time finding out what the needs are for our organisation, and then contacting local groups and volunteer centres to attract the right people to support us. Mike says, Its enormously exciting finding out everything DHI does and its alot!, and then attracting the right people to take on the roles. We had thirty one volunteers when I started, and I soon discovered we needed many more. We now have over fifty volunteers support us, or in the pipeline which is great news, however we are still looking for more people to become part of our volunteering team.
Mike Strathdee meeting with a volunteer

Donation Form
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The good news is for volunteers as well. The new programme means that all volunteers receive excellent training and supervision throughout the time they are with us. This ensures they can feel confident in what they are doing and at the same time they will have a valuable training

record to add to their C.V. if they are looking to advance their career.
If you would like to find out more, please contact Mike on 01225 478730 or email him at mikestrathdee@dhibath.org.uk

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Volunteer Profile: Antonia

l Antonia has been volunteering for Bath services in DHI for over a year and has been involved in many different services such as needle exchange, dro p in session at the Beehive in Bath, PR and admin support for the Party Safe campaign and other engagement services. Antonia also ran the Bath Half Marathon and raised money for DHI in 2013 and plans to do it again next year. She explained that the reason she first wanted to volunteer for DHI was because she knew the charity helps a lot of peo ple through difficult times and [I] wanted to be a part of it.
Giftaid Make your donations worth 25% more!  am a UK Taxpayer. Please treat all donations I have made to I Develo ping Health & Independance for the past 4 years and any I make in the future as Gift Aid donations until further notice.
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You must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax each year (6  April one year to 5 April the nexy year) at least equal to the amound of tax we reclaim on your gifts for that tax year. I am not a UK Taxpayer

Please complete this form, enclose with your donation and send to: Fundraising Department, Developing Health & Independence, 15/16 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 4HT
www.dhi-online.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1078154

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News in Brief
Here are some other exciting DHI events that have happened over the past few months.
A fundraising event Steffi, Ann and Sylvia very kindly raised 105.12 through donations, by holding a 24 hour Reiki Marathon which was open to everyone and held at the Practice Rooms in Bath. We would like to say a big thank you to them for their support to DHI, and all that healing.

and the staff team are hoping to support DHI in many ways such as fundraising and running in the 2014 Bath Half Marathon. We are really excited about how the partnership is going to develop, and how they are going to support DHI so watch this space... Get On & Do It! A new Social Enterprise for people who are recovering from mental ill health and are not in full time employment are invited to join the service which runs from the DHI HUB in Midsomer

Norton. The Social Enterprise aims to get people to become volunteers, retrain, find employment, become self employed or become a mentor. Launch of a new young carers group Project 28 in Bath are now running a Young Carers Group every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm, for those ages 11-17 years that are affected by someone elses drug and alcohol use.

Sainsburys local charity We are thrilled to have been selected to be the local charity supported by the Sainsburys local on Monmouth Street, Bath. Charity collection pots have been places by their tills,

Coming up next time

Community 4 Read all about this Wiltshire based service which provides support to enable clients to live independently and successfully within the community. Annual Event This years Annual Event will focus on alcohol and will celebrate the achievements of service users. The event will be attended by Dr Phil Hammond and DHI Parton Ken Loach, and will be held at 4.00pm on 28th November at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution. All welcome. Bristol here we come A unique new drug and alcohol service for families, carers and service users will be introduced into Bristol at the end of 2013 thanks to a successful new bid made by DHI. Find out more about this brand new service that involves helping peers to spread their experience and success to support others. Service user event A BBQ was held at the Bathwick St Mary Church to promote the launch of the B&NES Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service for Service Users and their families. See photos of the event and hear about how it went.

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