EACH - A voluntary counselling agency for those affected by alcohol and related issues
Theme - ● Service users as volunteers ● Volunteering as a means of improving health
EACH started fifteen years ago in Hounslow as a voluntary organization for individuals and family members affected by alcohol and related issues. Over the years it has extended its services to West London Boroughs of Harrow and Brent working with diverse communities and providing a culturally sensitive programme. Services include information, advice and support, counselling, a structured day care programme for those affected by substance misuse, women-only services and client empowerment through training and volunteering. EACH receives a large proportion of its funding from London Borough of Hounslow and the Primary Care Trust. In addition, a variety of projects which allow EACH to extend and diversify related services are funded by other bodies. It receives funding (for three years starting March 2005) from the Opportunities for Volunteering Fund through Volunteering England .
Clients refer themselves or are referred through partner agencies such as Social Services, GP surgeries, detox units and the Drug and Alcohol Action Team. Some agencies outside the borough also make referrals to the Structured Day Care Programme purchasing places for individuals as part of their care plan. Service-users are generally in the 25-55 age range and represent the diversity of the local community.
VEP, funded by Opportunities for Volunteering, was set up to provide support to ex-service users of EACH who have come to the end of their therapeutic care. It is open to all clients of EACH and includes those affected by alcohol, mental health issues and domestic violence and provides a structured programme for those who want make a change in their lives; gain confidence, training and work experience through volunteer work. Experience over time has shown that it is vital to ensure clear boundaries for the volunteers so they are not placed in roles that threaten their recovery, for example, a recovering alcoholic closely befriending an alcoholic still engaged in drinking. Members of VEP receive confidence-building sessions, support and mentoring according to their needs to help them rehabilitate into society. In the last two years this has become part of the after-care service and at any one time there are 10 - 15 individuals participating in the programme. The following is the current profile of the training opportunities and volunteer work placements VEP members have taken on. Placements take place in local partnerships as well as EACH itself.
| Further Education | Specialist Training includes that found through placement | Others Support |
Literacy/Numeracy
(Via Local Adult Education College and Tasha Foundation) | Auricular Acupuncture – Foundation Course,
(Via Pharmacia House, Drug Services) | Referrals to appropriate services |
| IT Skills EDCL
Via Tasha Foundation | Hearing Aid Audio Technician Training
(Via West Mid Hosp via RNID) | Expenses/ fees/ lunches paid |
| British Sign Language
(Via Local Adult Education College) | Gym Equipment User Support Training
(Via Lakeside Unit, West Mid Hospital) | Mentoring |
| Personal Development Agenda 21 Richmond Adult Education College | Understanding Health Indicators West Mid Hosp via Lakeside | |
| | VOLUNTEER PLACEMENTS | SUPPORT PROVIDED TO VOLUNTEERS OF THE PROJECT | | Street Drinkers’ Project at EACH | Volunteers accompanied by EACH Staff | | Trainee Counselling at EACH | Volunteer supported by supervision at EACH | | Max Glatt Detox Ward – Information on EACH services | Volunteers working in groups of two - evenings | | Max Glatt Detox Ward –Information on local services | Individual volunteer - mornings | | Gardening help for disabled or elderly in Hounslow | Volunteers singly or in groups of two | | Furniture Project supporting housing in Hounslow | Individual Volunteer supported at work with a mate. | | Auditory technician at West Mid Hospital | Individual volunteer trained and supported at work | | Sheltered housing for vulnerable people | Individual volunteer in a safe environment | | Office administrator | Working with support from IT training through VEP | | Alcoholic anonymous | Volunteers supporting each other and by AA | | West Middlesex Hospital Mental Health Clients | Volunteer supported by training and opportunities at West Mid Hosp | |
This approach to after-care has been very successful as the ex-clients stay under the umbrella of EACH whilst they prepare for life, feel valued and make progress. The incidence of relapse back into original conditions has decreased substantially.
Talat Bryant: Project Co-ordinator
020 8577 6059
tbryant@each-e.org.uk
