Aberdeenshire

Interventions suitable for

Individuals aged 16-40 who are on a Community Payback Order, or other criminal justice orders, and want to make positive and sustained changes that can lead to a move away from offending. This would include people who are on:

• Community Payback Orders
• Drug Treatment and Testing Orders
• Restriction of Liberty Orders
• Home Detention Curfews
• Structured Deferred Sentences
• Those engaging with voluntary throughcare after release from custody

Programme Title and Provider

Venture Trust – Living Wild

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Available across Scotland for people aged 16-40. Living Wild supports individuals who want to make positive and sustained changes that can lead to a move away from offending

Possible Outcomes

The service provides support for up to 9 months helping individuals to make and sustain connections to services and employment, education, training or volunteering opportunities within their communities. Other possible outcomes include increased resilience, increased understanding of how to interact with others, and improved impulse control in challenging situations.
The programme is proven to enable participants to reduce their risks of re-offending and make positive changes in their lives and behaviour.
Monitoring data from Living Wild from the last 5 years shows that:

• 76% of participants improved their resilience, confidence, and mental wellbeing
• 73% improved their employability skill
• 67% showed behaviours and circumstances likely to reduce risks of reconviction
• 212 got in to work, education, training or volunteering

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

After an assessment period, Venture Trust offer regular community-based outreach support wrapped around a Wilderness Journey, usually in the highlands of Scotland. Through intensive learning and personal development, individuals will consolidate their new skills, boost confidence, motivation and aspirations. This will allow individuals to tackle complex circumstances and patterns of behaviour and tackle re-offending and help with rehabilitation.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Venture Trust does not currently work with registered sex offenders or those subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
 

Interventions suitable for

Women aged 16 years and over who have been involved in offending or are at high risk of offending.

Programme Title and Provider

Venture Trust – Next Steps

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Next Steps is for women whose backgrounds have led to their involvement in offending and the criminal justice system, or to experience homelessness or problem substance or alcohol use which may impact on their wellbeing, relationships and life circumstances.
The Wilderness Journey focuses on supporting individuals to develop skills and strategies to cope with their situation at home. Further outreach support back in their local community encourages progression and embedding positive changes. Venture Trust champion prevention and rehabilitation by supporting women involved in criminal justice to tackle complex circumstances and experiences which cause, or may cause them to offend.

Possible Outcomes

Venture Trust services provide support for up to 9 months helping individuals to make and sustain connections to services and employment, education, training or volunteering opportunities within their communities.
By accessing green spaces and the wilderness, individuals experience the grounding benefits of nature, which can help clear a busy mind and bring feelings of calm and stability. This time to reflect can help build self-awareness around habits and behaviours, and awareness of their environment which may have caused or could cause them to offend. The programme is proven to enable participants to reduce their risks of re-offending, and make positive changes in their lives and behaviour.
Monitoring data from the last 5 years of Next Steps shows that:

• 82% of participants improved their resilience, confidence and mental wellbeing
• 80% improved their employability skill
• 71% showed behaviours and circumstances likely to reduce risks of reconviction
• 158 got in to work, education, training or volunteering

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

After an assessment period, Venture Trust support individuals to identify the changes they want to make in their lives and develop goals to help achieve them. During this period, Venture Trust offer regular community-based outreach support to identify and mitigate against any barriers prior to offering a supportive Wilderness Journey, usually in the highlands of Scotland.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Venture Trust does not currently work with registered sex offenders or those subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
 

Interventions suitable for

Anyone aged 16-64 who has served or been trained in the Armed Forces, including reservists and Territorial Army who have initially transitioned well or are currently struggling to transition to civilian life.

Programme Title and Provider

Venture Trust – Positive Futures

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Positive Futures is specifically for ex-Service men and women aged 16-64 years; individuals who may have a wealth of experience and skills, but who are finding it difficult to either transition fully into civilian life or are struggling with maintaining a civilian focused identity.
This service involves a Wilderness Journey, usually in the highlands, to support individuals in developing their life skills and the capacity to see themselves differently and make positive changes that supports their transition. The Venture Trust outreach team continues to provide community link support for a period of up to 9 months, helping participants to make and sustain connections to services and benefit from employment, education, training or volunteering opportunities within their communities.
Nature offers opportunities for people to reflect on beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. In adapting to this new environment, resilience is increased, participants develop understanding of how to interact with others, and improve impulse control in challenging situations.

Possible Outcomes

The programme is proven to support participants to unlock and develop life skills and the capacity to see themselves differently and make positive changes that support their transition.
Monitoring data from the last 5 years for Positive Futures shows that:

• 66% of participants improved their resilience, confidence and mental wellbeing
• 66% improved their employability skill
• 60% improved their stability
• 57 got in to work, education, training or volunteering

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Military Veterans aged 16-64 who are struggling with the transition to civilian life.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Venture Trust does not currently work with registered sex offenders or those subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
 

Interventions suitable for

Young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing challenging life circumstances, who want to make positive life changes.

Programme Title and Provider

Venture Trust – Inspiring Young Futures

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Inspiring Young Futures is a service of outdoor learning and development for young people in Scotland. It encourages them to think about what they would like to achieve and helps them work towards their goals.
The service offers regular community-based outreach support wrapped around a Wilderness Journey, usually in the Highlands of Scotland. Through intensive learning and personal development, individuals will consolidate their new skills, boost confidence, motivation and aspirations.
Venture Trust provides support for up to 9 months, helping individuals to make and sustain connections to services and employment, education, training or volunteering opportunities within their communities.

Possible Outcomes

The programme is proven to enable more young people facing challenging life circumstances to see and reach their potential.
Monitoring data from the last 5 years for Inspiring Young Futures shows that:

• 83% of participants improved their resilience, confidence and mental wellbeing
• 78% improved their employability skill
• 77% showed behaviours and circumstances to improve their stability and relationships
• 324 got in to work, education, training or volunteering

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Inspiring Futures is designed for young people aged 16-25 who are struggling with a range of challenging circumstances:

• Care-experienced background
• Involvement in offending / antisocial behaviour
• History of Substance Misuse
• Homelessness
• Low academic achievement
• Fragmented family relationships
• Early stage social work involvement

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Venture Trust does not currently work with registered sex offenders or those subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
 

Interventions suitable for

Individuals who are working with the Aberdeenshire Criminal Justice Social Work Service in the community, either as part of a Court order or as statutory or voluntary throughcare and aftercare support. For example, this can include individuals who are working with Criminal Justice Social Work as part of:

• Diversion from Prosecution
• Structured Deferred Sentence
• Community Payback Order
• Drug Treatment and Testing Order
• Restriction of Liberty Order
• Statutory Throughcare
• Voluntary Throughcare
• Voluntary Aftercare (where the individual has recently completed a period of statutory involvement with the service and continues to receive support around transitioning to other community supports and services).

While the service has been designed to assist people to complete their Unpaid Work Hours as part of a Community Payback Order with an Unpaid Work Requirement, the service is open to anyone who may be able to benefit from this online, creative learning opportunity.

Programme title and provider

Aberdeenshire Street Cones Online Workshops

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Street Cones are a charitable organisation, based in Glasgow, that brings together professionals from the creative industries alongside individuals with lived experience. Through learning from lived experience and constructing a path to change through the Arts, Street Cones can achieve positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
Street Cones believe passionately that the Arts can be used to give people who are marginalised a voice to help themselves as well as their wider community. Street Cones believe that real stories can be used as a platform to change lives.
Street Cones do not work in isolation and have established working partnerships with Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Police Scotland, Scottish Prison Service and many others – including Aberdeenshire Criminal Justice Social Work and the Aberdeenshire Community Justice Partnership.
Street Cones offer bespoke workshops for up to 10 participants at a time. Over the course of the 12 weeks, using story development, participants will work together to produce a script involving fictional characters. Some examples of themes for the scripts have included community sentences, depression, self-esteem and addictions. The workshops don’t always end up with finished scripts – the focus is always on journey first, destination is secondary.
If the individual is subject to a Community Payback Order with an Unpaid Work Requirement, then the time dedicated to participating in the workshops can go towards the person’s unpaid work hours.

Possible Outcomes

Street Cones empowers individuals through the development of communication skills, confidence and self-esteem. Involvement with Street Cones also gives vulnerable people access to the Arts as well as education, training and job opportunities. Street Cones engage in positive life enhancing creative activities as a route to learning and self-development.
The service contributes towards the National Outcomes for Community Justice:

• Life chances are improved through needs being met – by providing people with an opportunity to try out new things and to learn new skills.
• People develop positive relationships and more opportunities to participate and contribute through education, employment and leisure activities – by providing an opportunity to participate in online, group workshops.
• Individuals’ resilience and capacity for change and self-management are enhanced – by providing an opportunity for people to share their experiences, anonymously, through storytelling in a safe and non-judgmental environment. This also helps to build confidence.

The planned procurement also supports the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership priority around ‘Tackling inequalities and Public Protection’, which includes delivering equitable health and social care provision for people in the criminal justice system, and community justice.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Anyone who is currently working with the Aberdeenshire Criminal Justice Social Work Service can be referred to Street Cones. Due to the nature of the funding from the Scottish Government, the priority for referrals will be people who have a Community Payback Order with an Unpaid Work Requirement.
As a general position, referrals to Street Cones should not be made for individuals who are registered sex offenders, particularly those whose offences were internet-related, or Caledonian clients / those who have convictions for domestic offences. However it may still be possible for these referrals to be made, on a case by case basis following discussion with the relevant Team Manager and following the completion of an appropriate risk and need assessment.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Currently, a short term (1 year) funding allocation has been made available to Aberdeenshire Criminal Justice Social Work from the Scottish Government, to address the backlog of outstanding criminal trials and Unpaid Work hours, that have accumulated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Were this funding to be extended then there would be potential to extend the contract with Street Cones but as it stands, the workshops will conclude by end of March 2022.
 

Employability

 

Interventions suitable for

Anyone aged 16-65 who is stable in recovery from health and wellbeing challenges, whether physical, mental (including social isolation and lack of confidence) or dependency related.

Programme Title and Provider

Aberdeen Foyer REACH Programme

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Foyer REACH (Recovery, Employability, Achievement, Challenge, Hope) is a 12 week employability programme that is available in locations across Aberdeenshire and in Aberdeen City. REACH is open to anyone aged 16-65 in recovery from health and well-being challenges whether physical, mental (including social isolation and lack of confidence) or dependency-related and is ready to show commitment and progress towards employment, volunteering or further education. The course follows a weekly structure based on community involvement, personal development, wellbeing and employability learning. Participants can gain a City & Guilds Level 1 Extended Award in Employability Skills, a REHIS Food Hygiene Certificate, First Aid Certificate and other recognised qualifications.
Workshops will take place focused on wellbeing and goal-setting for the future. Foyer will work in partnership with other agencies to ensure specific recovery support is available to those who need it, as well as peer mentoring and service user involvement opportunities.
A free ‘breakfast club’ providing toast and cereals, and other healthy options is available – lunch will also be provided.

Possible Outcomes

Increased focus on wellbeing, increased confidence, increased social connections and increased employability.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Applicants must be aged 16-65 years and be stable in recovery from health and wellbeing challenges, whether physical, mental (including social isolation and lack of confidence) or dependency related.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

[No information specified]
 

Interventions suitable for

Individuals aged 16 – 25 years

Programme Title and Provider

Prince’s Trust Team Programme

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is a full-time course offering a range of exciting experiences including community projects, work experience, a residential week and the chance to obtain nationally recognised qualifications for 16 – 25 year olds. Individuals who participate in the programme will:

• Take on their own group community project, making a positive difference to the place where they live
• Take part in an action packed residential trip
• Get two weeks’ work experience in something they are interested in (through an individual work placement)
• Develop skills in English and Maths

As part of the course, individuals will spend some time developing their interview and CV skills to increase self-confidence for taking the next step.

Possible Outcomes

• Meet new people
• Gain new skills
• Increased self-confidence

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Referral forms are available from Aberdeen Foyer – for further information, please contact:

• Peterhead Area – 01779 474820
• Fraserburgh / Banff Area – 01346 514003
• Aberdeen Area – 01224 212924

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

The Programme is completely free and won’t affect welfare benefits.
 

Interventions suitable for

Parents/Carer of a child aged 12 and under-Foyer Families
Parents/Carer aged 25 and under-Foyer Families Under 25s

Programme title and provider

Aberdeen Foyer Families Programme (Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire)
Aberdeen Foyer Families Under 25 Programme (Shire only)

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s)

Foyer Families is a 16-week fully-funded programme created and delivered by Aberdeen Foyer which helps clients to:

• Achieve accredited learning and employability skills
• Progress into further education and/or employment
• Support their child’s development through learning and play
• Improve the health and wellbeing of themselves and their family

Working in partnership with North East Scotland College (Nescol), clients will work towards gaining City & Guilds Extended Level 1 in Employability Skills, REHIS Food Hygiene Cert, Pediatric First Aid, Customer Service, Manual Handling certificates.
Workshops include financial support, child development, mindfulness, Thai Chi as well as cooking on a budget.
The course is delivered 3 days per week for 16 weeks.

Possible Outcomes

Increased focus on wellbeing, increased confidence, increased social connections and increased employability, increased knowledge on child development.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Clients must be parent/carer or a child aged 12 and under. The course is delivered in both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
For the under 25 programme, parents/carers must be aged under 25 (Currently only available in Aberdeenshire.)

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

The course is completely free and won’t affect welfare benefits.
 

Interventions suitable for

Individuals aged 16 – 25 years who are working with the Aberdeenshire Criminal Justice Social Work Service in the community, either as part of a Court order or as part of statutory or voluntary throughcare and aftercare support. For example, this can include individuals who are working with Criminal Justice Social Work as part of:

• Diversion from Prosecution
• Structured Deferred Sentence
• Community Payback Order
• Drug Treatment and Testing Order
• Restriction of Liberty Order
• Statutory Throughcare
• Voluntary Throughcare
• Voluntary Aftercare (where the individual has recently completed a period of statutory involvement with the service and continues to receive support around transitioning to other community supports and services).

Programme Title and Provider

Station House Media Unit (SHMU) Creativity Connect Project

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Creativity CONNECT is a creative, meaningful, and upskilling employability provision for 18-25 year olds who are involved with the justice system in some way. Creativity Connect contains three key elements: Creative Activity, Employability and Life Skills and Support.
Creativity Connect is centred around 3 main creative activities – music, film and radio/podcast production. The creative activities are designed for young people to come together and work on a shared idea and topic – using it to express themselves and tell their stories through a creative platform.  Creativity Connect provides participants with the skills and confidence to positively progress on to the next stage of the employability pipeline, either through other provisions at Station House or with one of the other service providers in the area. The employability focus will involve looking at goals and ambitions, considering transferable skills and lived experience, building confidence and self-esteem and breaking down barriers to employment. Creativity Connect also includes life skills work and support, both in group settings and in 1-2-1 support meetings.

Possible Outcomes

The key outcomes for this project will be:

• Increased creative and core skills of young people
• Increased confidence of young people
• Increased self-esteem / worth of young people
• Increased resilience of young people
• Improved mental wellbeing of young people
• Improved future prospects of young people

Secondary outcomes will include;

• Reduced outstanding unpaid work hours of young people
• Improved digital access and capabilities of young people
• Increased justice experienced young people accessing and progressing through employability pipeline
• Decreased reoffending rate of young people subject to a Community Payback Order
• Improved engagement with Community Payback Order/support

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Anyone aged 16-24 years who is currently working with the Aberdeenshire Criminal Justice Social Work Service can be referred to Creativity Connect.
There the young person is subject to a Community Payback Order with an Unpaid Work Requirement, this course can count towards their unpaid work activity hours.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Funding for this project is provided through the Young Person’s Guarantee Funding 2020/2021 until end of March 2022.
 

Interventions suitable for

Individuals aged 16 years and over who experience multiple barriers to employment.

Programme Title and Provider

ENABLE Works – ENABLE Scotland

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

ENABLE Works always deliver a person-centred way to support individuals with mental health and / or physical health barriers (including disabilities) to gain employment.
ENABLE Works are industry specialists in supporting neurodivergent individuals (people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties or autism spectrum conditions), or those with severe and enduring mental health barriers.
Services Include:

• Fair Start Scotland

Fair Start Scotland is the national employability service for any unemployed person resident in Scotland. Through Fair Start Scotland, individuals will be supported for up to 18 months, to overcome their barriers, and secure permanent, sustainable employment.

• Employability Fund

Employability Fund (EF) is delivered as short 12 week courses, delivered throughout the year. On these courses, learners will work towards and obtain a PDA Level 3 or 4 in Employment Skills, build their confidence and abilities, and work towards securing a sustainable outcome.

• All in …’ Model Service

ENABLE Works currently deliver: All in Aberdeenshire; All in Highlands; All in Dundee; All in Edinburgh; All in Glasgow; and All in Inverclyde.
The ‘All in…’ Model is an industry leading support service delivering the full supported employment model for individuals with disabilities, including neurodivergence barriers, to help them gain, thrive in, and develop in, tailored, holistic employment.

• Progress for Parents

ENABLE Works deliver our Progress for Parents service across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee and Edinburgh, to support working families into better economic status. Supporting working parents, as well as unemployed parents, we work with parents and their employers, to secure outcomes to improve working lives for families in poverty.

• Stepping Up

ENABLE Works deliver a youth transition support services for school pupils in S4-S6, supporting individuals with learning disabilities and learning difficulties, to transition from education, into the world of work. This service operates at a 98% positive destination rate, ensuring all young people supported, move forwards in their journey.

• Corporate Offer

ENABLE Works can provide a corporate offer to businesses and employers across Scotland, to help increase Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace. We offer training for businesses and staff, around: disability awareness; autism awareness; mental health awareness. We also work with businesses to become Disability Confident workplaces, and to gain recognition as an Inclusive Workplace, through expert support and guidance.
Across all services, ENABLE Works can provide support with:

• Confidence & motivational training
• Disability & Health Support
• Welfare Advice & Guidance
• Work Skills
• SQA accredited qualifications
• CV & Interview Skills
• Work Placements
• Employer Engagement / Job Brokerage

Once individuals feel ready for employment, a team of employment coordinators then support them with their job search, job applications, interview skills to aid their path to successful employment goals.  Once the individual is successful in gaining employment, they are given 52 weeks of in work and aftercare support to ensure all outcomes are sustainable.

Possible Outcomes

 

• Soft Outcomes
  • Improved Confidence
  • Improved interpersonal skills
  • Increased skills, including employability skills
• Hard Outcomes
  • Part time or Full time Job Opportunities
  • Enhanced Modern Apprenticeships
  • Progression into Further/Higher Education

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Individuals can be referred through the following channels:

• Jobcentre Plus – where individual has a claim to benefits
• Skills Development Scotland
• Local Authority – Employability Teams
• Self-referral – enable.works@enable.org.uk / 0300 0200 101

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

ENABLE Works services are funded in different ways:

• Fair Start Scotland – Scottish Government
• Employability Fund – Skills Development Scotland
• ‘All in …’ Models – Local Authorities / ESF
• Progress for Parents – DPESF Boost
• Stepping Up – Young Persons Guarantee (nationally)

(Other funders may include: Inspiring Scotland; STV Children’s Appeal; ESF; ESIF; Fundraising.)
 

Housing

 

Interventions suitable for

Anyone at risk of homelessness or requires Housing Support to assist them to sustain their tenancy.

Programme title and provider

Aberdeenshire Housing Support Service which includes Housing First and onward referrals to our commissioned providers of Salvation Army (Adults) and Foyer (Young People)

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s)

Aberdeenshire Council has a statutory duty to conduct a Housing Support assessment for applications who are unintentionally homeless or threatened with homelessness that they have “reason to believe” they require such housing support services as it is prescribed within the regulations. The regulations are the Housing Support Services (Homelessness) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and are outlined below.
The purpose of the housing support duty (The duty) is to help prevent homelessness among people that the local authority believes may have difficulty in sustaining their tenancy. The duty is intended to complement the preventative approach developed in recent years through the Housing Options Hub across Scotland rather than to shift focus and resources from prevention to dealing with the crisis of homelessness.
The regulations were established after public consultation and the services prescribed are:

• Advising or assisting a person with personal budgeting, debt counselling or in dealing with welfare benefit claims
• Assisting a person to engage with individuals, professionals, or other bodies with an interest in the person’s welfare
• Advising or assisting a person in understanding and managing their tenancy rights and responsibilities, including assisting the person in disputes about those rights and responsibilities and
• Advising and assisting a person in settling into a new tenancy.

Where an assessment determines the need for housing support, the local authorities must ensure the appropriate housing support services are provided. In addition, a housing support assessment must also be made for other people who reside with the applicant as part of their household and a separate package of support delivered if required.
The legislation states that housing support services include any services which provides support, assistance, advice, or counselling to an individual with particular needs with a view to enabling that individual to occupy, or continue to occupy residential accommodation as the individual’s sole or main residence. The form and duration of support will vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and/or those of the people in the household.

Possible Outcomes

• Increased tenancy sustainment and prevention of homelessness
• Service is assertive in its nature and can sometimes manage to engage those who are not willing or motivated to engage with housing support. Focus is on building a positive relationship between client and support worker.
• Person centred support that focuses on the needs and aspirations of the client.
• In establishing tenancy sustainment we aim to embed people in their local communities
• Can assist with resettlement on release from prison or custody
• Increased independent living skills
• Empower people to make positive choices
• Harm reduction and minimise risk

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

 
Referrals from anyone can come into hosupport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk and a support assessment is completed.
If Housing Support identified and the person is homeless or at risk of homelessness, a referral is passed to our outreach providers who are currently Salvation Army (Adults) and Foyer (Young People). Housing Support is provided via the external provider and regular reports on outcomes are provided to the Local Authority Commissioner.
Housing Support is provided to assist people to sustain their tenancy and is tenure neutral, meaning we don’t just support people in council tenancies. It can help with setting up a new tenancy, link and signpost people to other services that in turn will assist with their health and wellbeing, education and employment, addictions and offending behaviour, access leisure facilities and improve their social outcomes, address any debts or housing arrears, completion of forms and dealing with correspondence.
We also have a Housing First Scheme for people who have a history of repeat homelessness or failed tenancies and have multiple complex needs. We also accept referrals for young people who have multiple complex needs and likely to be on a repeat cycle of homelessness without adequate support provision. This scheme has a maximum capacity of 75 at the moment and there is in the meantime a waiting list, but referrals can be made to the hosupport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk email address as well.

Relevant information re/funding for the programme

Funding is in the meantime via Local Authority with small contribution from Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP).
 

Substance Misuse

 

Interventions suitable for

People who are affected by alcohol and/or drug misuse.
Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA) are the first point of contact for information and advice on Substance Use for South and Central Aberdeenshire.  ADA provide a range of supports including a comprehensive assessment and referral on to other services, keyworking and reintegration back into the community by way of groups and activities. All services can be accessed by contacting the Helpline in the first instance.

Programme title and provider

Alcohol and Drugs Action

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

• Helpline – 01224 594700/0333 3 448 355 (free from landline and contract mobiles) helpline@alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk – Alcohol & Drugs Action Helpline provides free, confidential advice and information in all drug and alcohol related issues. The helpline is available to anyone, including family members, friends and professionals and is open 7 days a week.
• Duty drop in -Alcohol & Drugs Action can provide a range of supports and services face-to-face via the Drop In.
• Structured Preparatory Work – SPW is a free, confidential service which allows an individual to explore their alcohol/drug use on a one-to-one basis. The service includes regular appointments with an allocated worker, an initial assessment to explore drug/alcohol use as well as any other relevant issues, a recovery plan to work towards that focuses on identified goals, and regular progress review to ensure that individual needs are being met. Further information is available via 01244 577120.
• Needle Exchange Services
• Aberdeen IPED Clinic – This confidential service is for anyone who is considering using or is using steroids or any other Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs).
• Exchange Street Clinic – This is an Asymptomatic Service for gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men. This is a drop-in service, so no appointments are necessary.
• Family Support Group – The Family Support Group is a peer support group. This means that group members, as the people who have been affected by a loved ones’ alcohol and/or drug use, share their own experiences and knowledge. This includes providing emotional, social and practical support to others. The group is facilitated by an Alcohol & Drug Action member of staff and a volunteer, to ensure every participant has an equal chance to contribute.
• Quay Services – Quay Services provide support to women who are involved in the sex industry in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.  This includes a weekly outreach service, safety advice and personal alarms, free contraception, needle exchange and harm reduction advice, referrals to other services and access to all other ADA services and groups, including one-to-one support to make positive changes for the future.
• Recovery Services – ADA has a range of services to support individuals in their recovery from drug and/or alcohol use, no matter where the person is in their recovery journey.  ADA will provide advice, information and support to help the individual achieve their personal goals regarding their substance misuse and other aspects of their lives.

Possible Outcomes

• Progress towards identified personal goals regarding substance misuse and other aspects of their lives
• Reduced drug and/or alcohol use
• Harm reduction
• Increased personal safety

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Please see above for information on the different services that are available and how to access them.  All services can be accessed via self-referral.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Alcohol and Drugs Action began operating as a charity and company limited by guarantee in June 1986.  The organisation was set up in response to a gap in support for people with substance misuse issues at that time.  Since 1986, Alcohol and Drugs Action has established trust and credibility amongst individuals with substance use issues.  This has extended to family members and local communities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.  Further information is available via 01224 577120 / info@alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk
 

Interventions suitable for

Adults aged 16+ who want support with Alcohol and other Drugs

Programme title and provider

Turning Point Scotland – Aberdeen Substance use Support, Engagement and Treatments (ASSET North).

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Aberdeen Substance use Support, Engagement and Treatments (ASSET) is a community based alcohol and other drugs support service offering free and confidential support to anyone who is or has been affected by substance use in the North Aberdeenshire area.
Support is available for adults, aged 16+ who want support to manage the impact of substance use within their lives.  Offices are located in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Banff, with outreach services being offered throughout North Aberdeenshire.
The support may include:

• Drop In Sessions, where initial assessments can take place
• One to one, persona centred support sessions tailored to meet individual needs
• Harm reduction support and advice
• Needle Exchange and nalaxone provision, including training
• Signposting and co-ordination with other relevant professionals or agencies
• Assertive outreach for those identified as likely to be unplanned closures to alcohol and other drug services
• Moving on support

Possible Outcomes

Those referred to the service are part of a wider integrated Alcohol and Drug service, ensuring that the right support is in place at the right time, reducing the risk and harm caused by alcohol and other drugs and enabling people to move beyond services and sustain positive lives in their local communities.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Referral can be received from professionals, GPs or the person themselves.
 
Peterhead and surrounding areas:
9 St Peter Street
Peterhead,
AB42 1QB
01779 470490
 
Fraserburgh and Surrounding areas:
48 Broad Street
Fraserburgh
AB43 9AH
01346 415175
 
Banff and surrounding areas:
Unit 8a 83 North Castle Street
Banff
AB45 1JJ
01261 818771

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

The service is currently commissioned by the Aberdeenshire Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (ADP) until 31^st March 2023.
 

Interventions suitable for

Adults aged 16+ who want support with Alcohol and other Drugs.

Programme title and provider

Aberdeenshire Peer Support Service

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Working together with the Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, we recognise that the lessons and experiences gained by someone tackling alcohol or other drug problems can be invaluable to others who want success but may be daunted by the road ahead.
We support, coach and mentor volunteers who can contribute, or facilitate group discussions, or offer 1-2-1 mentoring support to individuals starting their journey to recovery.
Offering a structured peer support training programme to empower and equip those who want to offer support within Aberdeenshire.

Possible Outcomes

Turning Point Scotland Aberdeenshire Peer Support service is committed to helping build a vibrant and welcoming recovery community in Aberdeenshire.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

The service can be accessed by anyone residing in Aberdeenshire:
 
Freephone number: 0800 470 2286
Email: APSS@turningpointscotland.com
 
Peterhead and surrounding areas:
9 St Peter Street
Peterhead,
AB42 1QB
01779 470490
 
Fraserburgh and Surrounding areas:
48 Broad Street
Fraserburgh
AB43 9AH
01346 415175
 
Banff and surrounding areas:
Unit 8a 83 North Castle Street
Banff
AB45 1JJ
01261 818771

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

The service is currently commissioned by the Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP)S 31^st March 2023.
 

Interventions suitable for

People age 16+ needing advice.

Programme title and provider

Advocacy

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Advocacy North East works with people aged 16 years and over who are experiencing mental illness or disorder. This includes, amongst others, people with learning disabilities, dementia and acquired brain injury, to support them in their dealings with health and social care matters.
We also support people who may be involved in Adult Support and Protection processes.
We deliver independent advocacy to people in Aberdeenshire and also to Aberdeenshire residents who are receiving services in the Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen.
Advocacy North East also provides an independent advocacy service for carers.

Possible Outcomes

Individuals have been supported to deal with key matters affecting their wellbeing and recovery.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Phone Number: 01467 651604
Email: admin@advocacyne.org.uk
Website: https://advocacyne.org.uk/
Address: Advocacy North East Unit 2, Dalfling Business Centre Blairdaff Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5LA

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Local Advocacy service
 

Interventions suitable for

Anyone in Aberdeenshire over the age of 16 who is affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. This could be a direct family member, or even a friend or a colleague who is using substances.

Programme title and provider

Aberdeenshire Family Support Service (SFAD)

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(S) available

Support comes in a range of different sizes. In Aberdeenshire, we offer:

• One-to-One Support
• Group Support
• CRAFT (Community Reinforcement Approach & Family Training)
• Support to access Bereavement Counselling
• Access to Naloxone

Possible Outcomes

Support to manage family and relationship issues including health and wellbeing

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Carly Patterson is the Family Support Development Officer for Aberdeenshire, contact Carly directly on:
Mobile: 07879674061
Email: carly@sfad.org.uk
Or call our National Helpline on 08080 10 10 11

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

[No information specified]
 

Mental Health

 

Interventions suitable for

Individuals who are looking for support to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Programme title and provider

Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) – My Life Dynamic Aberdeenshire

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

• Resilience Coaching – One-to-One work with a Resilience Coach to work on strengthening resilience and learning how to take charge in difficult times. The process will require action by the individual to set and work towards goals.  Appointments will be to review progress, address any concerns and set future tasks.
• The Listening Project – Up to 6 sessions of a confidential, therapeutic listening service offered by trained volunteers and counsellors. If the individual is not already involved with the Aberdeenshire Community Mental Health Team, access to The Listening Project must be supported by a GP referral.
• Supporting Wellness Through Employment and Learning – A coaching approach that works first to inspire, then to empower and then to enable.
• Cultivate – This is a unique social and therapeutic horticultural service. Individuals can come to one of the Cultivate gardens located throughout Aberdeenshire, or if travelling is impractical, the service can go to the individual.
• AyeConnect – This is an internet-based information and resource service. Support is also available for those who don’t feel comfortable with technology.
• HearMe – Is an Aberdeenshire-wide peer led movement that brings the voices of lived experience together to help inform how mental health services should evolve.
• Know Where To Go – Delivered by SAMH Resilience Coaches, support is provided to help individuals to find and access existing services in the local community.

Possible Outcomes

• Increased resilience
• Increased confidence
• Increased access to services
• Setting and working towards own goals

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Individuals can access the above services via self-referral, with the exception of The Listening Project which must be supported by a GP referral if the individual is not already open to the Community Mental Health Team.
Referrals can be submitted to enquiries@mylifedynamic.org.uk or via 0300 1234 677.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

For more information, please contact 0300 1234 677 or visit www.mylifedynamic.org.uk
 

Interventions suitable for

Anyone aged 16 years and over who lives in Aberdeenshire and is experiencing distress and reduced mental wellbeing.

Programme title and provider

Penumbra 1st Response Aberdeenshire

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Aberdeenshire 1^st Response can provide individuals with short term support when they feel at crisis point.  Support that is tailored to individual need is provided when the individual feels they need it most.  Individuals will receive sensitive and non-judgmental support, information and signposting.  Aberdeenshire 1^st Response will support individuals to find ways to successfully resolve the crisis situation and to plan for the future.

Possible Outcomes

• Improved self-management
• Improved access to information / signposting
• Reduced distress
• Improved mental wellbeing

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

Support is provided via telephone, email, text or through face to face appointments.  There is no application form and no waiting list.
Tel: 0800 1357950
Email: aberdeenshire1stresponse@penumbra.org.uk
The service is available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm throughout Aberdeenshire.  If you would prefer a face-to-face appointment, this can be arranged via the above Freephone number.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Penumbra is a leading Scottish voluntary organisation working in the field of mental health.  Penumbra provide a range of person-centred support services for adults and young people.
 

Interventions suitable for

Children and young people aged 10 – 18 years

Programme title and provider

Kooth

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Service for children and young people aged 10 – 18 years that offers a free online counselling and emotional wellbeing support service.  It provides a safe and secure means of accessing support from a professional team of qualified professionals, as well as providing access to many self-help tools and content.

Possible Outcomes

Improved emotional health and wellbeing

Process for assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

To access, individuals must register at www.kooth.com

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

Kooth is a well-established, award winning online counselling service and is accredited by The British Association of Psychotherapy and Counselling (BACP).  Young people can access this service anonymously by signing onto the Kooth site. Kooth provides unique out of office hours’ provision and is open 7 days per week, 365 days a year with 1:1 support being available from noon until 10pm weekdays and from 6pm until 10pm on Saturday and Sundays. Kooth provides added value with moderated, scheduled forums and self-help articles (many written by service users) to provide peer led and self-help support 24/7.
 

Interventions suitable for

Young people and adults aged 16 years and upwards

Programme title and provider

Togetherall

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

Togetherall provides free, online support for young people and adults aged 16 years and upwards.  Trained accredited professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, meaning that any adult who may be struggling can chose from a range of safe, therapeutic services at a time that best suits them.

Possible Outcomes

Improved mental health and wellbeing

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

The service is free to all residents aged 16 years and over who live in the Aberdeenshire Council area.
The service can be accessed by the service user by inputting their postcode at www.togetherall.com and creating a completely anonymous user account.

Relevant information re. funding for the programme

[No information specified]