Substance Intervention Team (SIT)

What we do

The EYPDAS Substance Intervention Team (SIT) primarily carry out one-to-one assessments and care-planned interventions with young people whose drug and alcohol experiences are impacting on their lives. We also work with young people who are affected by the substance use of their significant others.

SIT also offers support to a young person's family and appreciates the difficulties faced by parents, carers and siblings. We actively encourage the family to work as a whole and encourage communication between all parties.

How we do it

SIT offer a free and confidential service across Essex, seeing young people in their own locality where the young person feels most comfortable, safe and able to talk freely. We go to the young person; we do not expect the young person to come to us. Out of hours appointments are also available.

'I like my counsellor coming to me 'cos I can’t afford the train fare. Before I thought counselling was like you see on TV but my counsellor will walk in the park with me or see me at home'
Jamie, 15

We also offer a mobile needle exchange and actively promote harm reduction to minimise the risks and keep the young person safe. A full and separate assessment is carried out if a young person needs to access the needle exchange and Safeguarding and Fraser guidelines are adhered to.

A full-time specialist substance use and safeguarding practitioner oversees safeguarding practices within EYPDAS and provides clinical supervision to staff where appropriate. In addition, this person facilitates safeguarding training internally and externally.

Our partnerships

We also support other professionals working with young people who may not be ready to engage in counselling. By working together, we offer a smooth transition from being unsure about counselling to full engagement in the service. Our counsellors will be part of shared care and care planning and will happily attend professional meetings.

EYPDAS works in conjunction with adult drug and alcohol teams to ensure that young people are fast tracked through services, are offered a child-centred approach and receive continuity of care. EYPDAS often remains the lead professional for those young people under shred-care arrangements.

Referrals

We accept referrals from professionals, parents, carers and most importantly, directly from young people. Referrals will only be accepted if the young person has consented to be seen. There is no limit on the amount of sessions.

All of the counsellors are qualified and work in a holistic child-centred approach. The counselling team is dynamic, innovative and flexible.

Contact details

Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service
114 Springfield Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 6LF

Phone: 01245 493311
Fax: 01245 491400
Email: eypdas@childrenssociety.org.uk