We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.
We felt this was an excellent, well run service for children and young adults. Children and young adults needs were clearly at the centre of care delivery. The service continued to develop and respond to local need. There was a culture of learning and improvement throughout the service which was supported and encouraged by managers.
The service was based within a large modern building that had good health and safety arrangements. Arrangements were in place to manage environmental and clinical risks.
Staff were skilled, responsive to need and client focussed. Assessments and care plans were thorough and detailed, with clearly defined outcomes. Staff used best practice in planning treatment and care. There were evidence based psychological approaches used throughout the service and access to counselling and complementary therapies.
Staff were respectful and supportive towards clients. Service user participation and feedback was actively sought. There was an accredited training programme for peer support workers who were previous clients to work within the service. Peer support workers described ongoing support and development.
There were clear referral pathways into the service and discharge/transfer pathways, including transitional planning for young adults moving to adult services. Staff worked flexibly, offering evening appointments and treatment groups.
The service had well established links with young carers’ organisations. A therapeutic support worker had been employed to link with a local dog shelter with opportunities for dog walking and social contact.
The service had a clear organisational and team vision. Managers ensured that information about the service was communicated through the wider organisation and that information from the organisation was communicated to the team. Staff were encouraged and supported to develop skills and gain qualifications.