Who is the specialist alcohol project for?

The SAAS specialist alcohol worker offers support to people who are under supervision of the probation service and are experiencing problems with alcohol.

The service is for individuals who:

• Are on community orders
  Or
• Are under supervision on release from prison
  And
• Following discussion with their probation worker, think they can benefit from seeing the alcohol worker

Where does it take place?

You can see the alcohol worker at West Bar Probation Office or at the main Alcohol Advisory Service on Abbeydale Road.

What does the service offer?

Information:

• About alcohol and its effects
• About rehabilitation services
• About detox and referral to appropriate agency

Advice:

• On how to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink
• About other services that may be of help to you

Counselling:

You and the counsellor will work together to address the problems you are experiencing. This may involve the following:

• Helping you explore other issues related to your alcohol use
• Exploring ways of reducing the harm to yourself and others when drinking
• Looking at ways of maintaining the changes you have made and preventing relapse.

What happens at the first appointment?

An initial appointment usually lasts for 50 minutes and involves you and the worker discussing your current situation and how you feel about it. The worker will want to establish a general picture of your drinking and how it relates to other areas of your life.

After this, you, together with your probation worker and the alcohol worker, will decide if further support is needed. If so, the number and frequency of sessions will also be agreed.

Is the service confidential?

Yes (apart from in certain exceptional circumstances which will be explained to you at your first appointment). Your probation worker will be informed of whether you attend your appointments and will be briefly updated on your general progress. All other information will be kept confidential unless you agree otherwise.

If you have any questions about confidentiality please speak to the specialist alcohol worker or contact the main SAAS service.

How do I contact the Service?

If, following discussion with your probation worker, you think you could benefit from the service; your probation worker will refer you.

We will arrange an initial appointment with you as soon as possible.

Comments or complaints?

We aim to provide a high quality service to all users.
If you have any thoughts, comments or suggestions please let us know. If you have any concerns about the service provided, first talk to the specialist alcohol worker as this can often help sort out the problem. If you prefer, you have the option of talking to the SAAS Director.

If you would like to make a formal complaint you will be provided with a copy of our complaints procedure.

Web site created by Tina Bell
as part of the Sheffield Community Information project