One minute guide: Forward Leeds - integrated alcohol and drugs service

Forward Leeds is the integrated alcohol and drug service for the city, with delivery hubs across Leeds. It is a consortium arrangement, which means that a number of different service providers, some of whom have been working in Leeds for a number of years, are working together to deliver an integrated service.

There is a single point of contact for all, so people who want support with their drug or alcohol use can just call one number: 0113 887 2477, or they can self-refer or refer another person through the Forward Leeds website.

How the service works

The service has a presence across the whole of the city. There are three main hubs, one in each wedge, which deliver the full service, as well as a recovery hub and primary care provision. As well as using the single point of contact number and website above, people can self-refer for support by attending one of the hubs, with the principle that there is no 'wrong door' for people to access help.

The service provides a holistic approach to support clients, including specialist teams that can offer help around complex health needs, mental health, family support and housing (where there is also a substance use support need). The service offers outreach support for clients who may find it challenging to access support in the hubs. They also have a presence at major festivals and events in the city to offer advice, guidance and support about the misuse of substances.

How the service supports young people who use drugs or alcohol

The Young People's team accept referrals for those aged 21 years old and under (they occasionally work up to the age of 24, where there may be additional support needs). Support is offered on a predominately outreach basis, delivering sessions within the community (such as schools, colleges or home visits). There is a counsellor based within the team, who will accept internal referrals for young people accessing support from the young persons team. A group worker is able to deliver tailored, targeted group work for young people across the city.

Referrals for one-to-one or group work can be made on the Forward Leeds website or by calling 0113 887 2757.

How the service supports parents who use alcohol or drugs

When parents are accessing substance use treatment services, it can also impact other people within the family. Forward Leeds has a Family Plus Team, who focus on strengthening family relationships and achieving the best possible outcomes for children and parents.

The team offers a variety of support including:

• support with routines and boundaries within the family home
• running groups and activities for families to spend positive time together
• exploring children's challenging behaviour and looking at ways to deal with this
• support with building a relationship with schools or nurseries
• linking in with other services such as dentists, mental health support and routes to employment

There is an Emotional health and wellbeing worker within the team, offering one-to-one support to children and young people around managing their emotions and developing age appropriate understanding of their parents substance use treatment.

In addition, Forward Leeds also has workers based within the city's Family Hubs (previously known as Early Help Hubs). This team provides workforce development opportunities, alongside support for individuals where there may be emerging or escalating difficulties around substance use. These workers are able to undertake short term, direct interventions and help in signposting families to the right service. They can also provide guidance and advice regarding pathways or service provision, joint working and coaching, and consultation with practitioners to develop knowledge and skills in working with specific areas of concern.

What practitioners should do if they are concerned about someone's alcohol or drug use

Where possible, practitioners should speak to the person about their concerns and the support available from Forward Leeds.

Advice and further information is available via the website or by calling 0113 887 2477 (or 0113 887 2757 for those 21 years old and under) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. To make a referral, practitioners will need the consent of the person they are referring. If the person would like a practitioner to support them to attend a first appointment, this can be mentioned on the referral.

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