DRUGS ACCOMMODATION SUPPORT PROJECT (DASP)

LOCATION: Belfast

The Drugs Accommodation Support Project (DASP) supports IV drug users to stabilise their lives by accessing temporary supported accommodation with a specialist worker. Through the programme, Extern supports active drug users in moving from the streets and into stable supported accommodation and addiction treatment. This service is provided with the help of partners in the Housing Executive, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Public Health Agency, PSNI and DPP. Referrals to this service can be made directly by individuals or from any source. Service users must have an injecting drug issue and be homeless to access the specialist support.

Tel: +44 (0)28 9033 0433 Email: info@extern.org

Needle And Syringe Exchange

LOCATION: Belfast, Lurgan, Ballymena

The Needle and Syringe Exchange is a free, confidential service for people who inject drugs. Those engaging with the service can avail of new, sterile injecting equipment which reduces the risk of catching viruses, like HIV and hepatitis B and C, which are spread by contact with infected blood. The service also disposes of used equipment safely, which reduces the risk of other people coming into contact with these viruses via used needles or syringes. Those who inject drugs of any sort – including opioids, steroids, stimulants and tanning solutions - can use a needle and syringe exchange service. The service also offers advice, information and support to help reduce risk of harm from injecting, as well as assisting with access to other areas, such as housing, alcohol use, mental or physical health problems.

Belfast – Tel: 0800 085 8426 Lurgan – Tel: 07423 474844

Ballymena - Tel: 028 2565 4012

This drug and alcohol service works with people at whatever level they wish in a flexible service user-led way. Support can be short-term or longer term depending on the individual needs, reducing the harm that alcohol and/or drugs are having on the person. The service’s open referral criteria is deliberately wide to allow people easy access to support; it works with people at their point of need and keeps expectations of engagement realistic. The service offers support in the home, or in a venue that people feel comfortable in.

(Northern Trust) Tel: +44 (0)28 2565 4012 Email: asmreferrals@extern.org

(Southern Trust) Tel: +44 (0)74 2347 4844 Email: southernasm@extern.org

Step2 Southern Trust Area

LOCATION: Across Southern Health & Social Care Trust

A community-based early intervention service for adults and family members affected by substance misuse. For individuals who are not alcohol dependent but wish to reduce their intake, we offer:-

Extended Brief Interventions – a prevention approach that supports at-risk drinkers to make an informed choice to change their alcohol consumption and learn skills that will allow them to consume alcohol in a safer way.

Therapeutic Interventions - This is for harmful substance and alcohol users and delivers Enhanced motivational interviewing; Cognitive behavioural therapy; Relapse management therapy.

Family Support - Any adult affected by a family member’s alcohol and/or drug use can avail of this one-to-one service independently, whether or not the family member has engaged in counselling or other services.

Tel: 07591 834468 Email: Step2partnership@dunlewey.org

Step 2 Service

LOCATION: Northern Trust Area

The Step 2 Service offers a therapeutic outreach service supporting people impacted by substance misuse and their families. This service is designed for adults (18+) who are impacted by patterns of alcohol or substance misuse. Individuals will be supported by a highly-trained and dedicated team to achieve agreed goals in relation to substance misuse, with the aim of reducing or abstaining from substances. In addition to this, it provides support to family members impacted by an individual’s substance use. The service operates on an open referral system, meaning anyone can refer in.

Tel: +44 (0)28 2565 4012 Email: asmreferrals@extern.org

STREET INJECTORS SUPPORT SERVICE (SISS)

LOCATION: Belfast City Centre

The Street Injectors Support Service (SISS) uses experienced staff to assertively engage with street injectors in Belfast and to collect and dispose of inappropriately discarded injecting equipment. Funded by the Public Health Agency and Belfast City Council, the project was established in 2017 by Extern in response to a rise in discarded injecting paraphernalia and people who utilise the Belfast City Centre area to inject heroin. The service also provides a vital link to vulnerable drug users by assisting with access to temporary accommodation and healthcare services.

Tel: +44 (0)28 9033 0433 Email: info@extern.org

Extern Problem Gambling

LOCATION: Servicing across Ireland

The Extern Problem Gambling project supports people who have been negatively impacted by problem gambling, through providing supports, resources and referral pathways for problem gamblers and their families. The project advocates on behalf of those suffering the consequences of problem gambling, and highlights gambling-related issues in the media. It also actively lobbies for the introduction of fit-for-purpose gambling legislation and regulation in Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0) 89 241 5401 Email: info@problemgambling.ie