Outreach Glasgow is a city wide service offering comprehensive needs assessment and pre-admission support to women with problematic substance use issues. Support is provided to parents (and their children aged 12 and under) and also pregnant women, prior to entering rehabilitation at either of Aberlour’s residential dependency services in Glasgow. In addition, pregnant women can also access a 21-day stay through Outreach Glasgow, in order to stabilise or reduce their problematic substance use.
Following residential rehabilitation, Outreach Glasgow offers aftercare support to families upon their return to the community for up to six months.
The service also provides community-based interventions to women and children who do not wish to access residential rehabilitation although referrals to the residential projects are prioritised.
Service aim and what we offer
Outreach Glasgow aims to improve the well being and opportunities of children, young people and their families affected by parental substance use.
The service achieves this by:
• working with the family to reduce risk and promote a safe environment for children to grow and develop,
• offering support for women to achieve and maintain positive changes in relation to their dependency, parenting or other life skills,
• helping women realise the impact of their substance use on their children,
• providing support for children to share their thoughts and feelings and promote their resilience,
• assisting families to develop support networks within their own communities,
• supporting women to develop confidence to move towards training, work and positive activities,
• providing a dedicated Children’s Worker to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the child’s needs and offer individual support to children.
Outcomes
This service contributes to the following Scottish Government’s National Outcomes.
• Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective communicators and responsible citizens.
• Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.
• Our children live longer, healthier lives.
• The life chances for children, young people and families at risk have improved.
Partnership and funding
This service is funded through Glasgow Addiction Service, with additional funding from Supporting People and Glasgow Community Learning Adult Literacy Partnership. It may be possible to offer placements to families beyond Glasgow for which funding for the placement will be required from the relevant Local Authority.