Inclusion Step Forward Programme (ISFP) – Empower

The Empower workshop is the first step of Inclusion’s Step Forward Programme. It is aimed as an introductory session for people coming into the service. It includes harm reduction information, overdose and naloxone information. This session will also support people in beginning to identify any problems associated with their alcohol or drug use and lifestyle. It aims to give information on how the service can help and empower people in making informed choices about their care, and taking positive steps towards recovery and/or reduction.

ISFP – Inspire

Inspire is this is the second step of Inclusion’s Step Forward Programme. These sessions build on the foundations for recovery; enhancing motivation, encouraging exploration and reflection of alcohol or drug use. It supports people to consider and explore the possibility of change and the reality of a future without drugs or alcohol. Access to this group is via referral from a keyworker.

ISFP – Learn

Learn is this is the third step of Inclusion’s Step Forward Programme. These sessions will build the core skills needed to encourage, achieve and maintain recovery. Those attending do not need to be abstinent, but they do need to be committed to working towards abstinence and have started to make small changes. Access to this group is via referral from a keyworker.

ISFP – Thrive

Thrive is this is the fourth step of Inclusion’s Step Forward Programme. It is aimed at those who have completed ISFP Learn. These sessions will help people maintain the changes made throughout their recovery so far, and help people apply the knowledge and skills they have learned into their daily lives. Access to this group is via referral from a keyworker.

Inclusion Step Lighter Programme (ISLP)

Inclusion’s Step Lighter Programme is designed to introduce people to the concept of harm reduction, identify end goals in relation to drug or alcohol use, explore motivation to change and what that means for each individual. It also supports people to consider and explore the possibility of change or recovery as a way forward and identify relapse prevention strategies. Access to this group is via referral from a keyworker.

ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) Group

ACT is designed to help individuals accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment or resistance. Rather than battling or feeling ashamed of their experiences, ACT encourages individuals to live in the present moment and embrace their inner experiences. By focusing on what truly matters, people can commit to actions that align with their values, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

At its core, ACT aims to help people:

• Accept their thoughts and feelings, even the difficult ones.
• Choose values that are important to them.
• Take action to live in accordance with those values.

Through this approach, ACT empowers people to lead more engaged and purposeful lives.

SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training)

 SMART is a programme that provides training and tools for people who want to change their problematic behaviour, including use of drugs and alcohol. Guided by trained facilitators, participants come to help themselves and help each other using a variety of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and motivational tools and techniques.

RITS (Recovery in the Steps)

The Recovery in the Steps group aims to give an introduction to the 12-step fellowships and the steps themselves, dispelling any myths and giving an idea of what to expect at meetings. After the group, many of those present usually attend a 12-step meeting in the community.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a group session where an acupuncture practitioner will insert up to 5 needles in each ear for up to 45 minutes, while participants sit in a relaxed atmosphere. Each practitioner will run the session with their own individual approach. Some will provide guided meditation, some will play music, whilst others will encourage participants to relax in silence. Our acupuncture practitioners use the NADA 5 points protocol.

Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)

MBRP is an 8 week ‘closed group’ programme, where participants are supported in developing their skills and understanding of mindfulness, as well as ways to use this skill for relapse prevention purposes. It will help participants develop awareness of their own high-risk situations and habitual responses, support them in staying with uncomfortable emotions rather than avoiding or attempting to get rid of them, and learning how to stay present rather than automatically responding to situations. Access to this group is via referral from a keyworker.

Mindfulness

A group session where participants are guided through exercises, aimed at bringing attention and awareness to the present moment.

Peer Support Group

A group session where participants are encouraged to share their experiences with their peers. The aim is to foster a sense of community, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote sustained recovery by peers, sharing practical advice, coping strategies, and emotional support

Service User (SU) Forum

A structured meeting where people who use or have used the service can provide feedback, share their experiences, and contribute to the development and improvement of the service. Forums offer a platform for people to voice their opinions, discuss their needs, and suggest changes or enhancements to the support provided. The goal is to ensure that our services are centred around the people using them, are responsive to their needs, and continuously improving based on real insights and experiences of those with lived experience of drug and alcohol use.

BI Group (Brief Intervention Group)

A programme of 4 to 5 sessions, providing brief advice and guidance around drug and alcohol use. The sessions are short in duration and are aimed at those who score below 14 on the Alcohol Audit and/or below 6 on the SDS (Severity of Dependence Scale).

PSL Group (Parent Support Link)

PSL provide group sessions for the family and friends of people who use drugs and alcohol. These could be parents, partners, husbands, wives, friends, brothers, sisters, grandparents etc. The sessions are facilitated by a member of staff from PSL, and are a safe space for people to share their own experiences and provide support to others.