Updated 15/03/2015
PUBLISHED AND PRODUCED BY
RAPt (Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust)
The Foundry | 2nd Floor | 17 Oval Way | London SE11 5RR
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
Contents
1. Welcome & Introduction .............................................................................4
2. Programme Overview ..................................................................................5
1st Stage .....................................................................................................................5
2nd Stage ...................................................................................................................6
ETE (Employment, Training & Education) .............................................................7
Aftercare & Recovery Support ..............................................................................7
3. Policies & Procedures ..................................................................................8
Treatment Contract.................................................................................................8
Drug Testing Policy .................................................................................................10
Time out of the Project ..........................................................................................10
Accommodation ...................................................................................................11
Meals........................................................................................................................11
Exercise & Use of the Gym ...................................................................................12
Use of the Telephone ............................................................................................13
Televisions & Personal Electronics ........................................................................13
Medical & Dental Treatment ...............................................................................13
Home Visits & Family Visits .....................................................................................15
Use of the Laundry .................................................................................................16
Dress Code..............................................................................................................16
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
1. Welcome & Introduction
Welcome to The Bridges!
You have taken a huge step towards achieving recovery by making
the decision to enter treatment. As a team, we understand what a
difficult and often daunting process this can be. The aim of this
handbook is to provide answers to many of the questions you may
have as a new client entering treatment and to provide a clear
picture of what to expect when you arrive.
The Bridges treatment programme is built upon evidence-based
interventions as informed by RAPt’s dedicated research team. We
constantly strive to be at the forefront of ‘best practice’ to ensure
you access the most effective treatment interventions available.
Although our programme contains some standard elements, we
recognise that each client is unique and, as such, your treatment will
be tailored to support you achieving your individual goals and
aspirations. We value your input and encourage clients to feedback
to us, formally and informally, so that we can continue to deliver
interventions that meet your needs.
The procedures outlined in this handbook are not designed to be
arbitrary. Each is in place to enable the service to run smoothly and
in accordance with laws, legislation and ethical frameworks. If,
having read this handbook, you have further questions, we
encourage you to seek clarification from your peers and staff. They
are here to help.
All the best on your journey!
The Bridges Staff
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
2. Programme Overview
The Bridges’ treatment programme uses evidence-based
interventions, such as the 12 Step model of recovery as developed by
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The programme
also uses elements of Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and
the Seeking Safety approach. These approaches have been
specifically selected due to their proven effectiveness at treating
addictions and promoting attitude and behaviour change.
The 12 Step model recognises addiction as a ‘disease’ and promotes
recovery based upon spiritual principles. The Bridges programme is not
affiliated to any religious doctrine, however, clients who have
particular religious requirements are supported to continue this whilst in
treatment.
The Bridges programme also utilises a Therapeutic Communities
approach which supports staff and clients to play an active role in the
running of the treatment community. We encourage collective
openness and sharing in order to maintain a supportive, therapeutic
environment in which individuals can achieve their goals.
1st Stage
1st Stage treatment is specifically geared towards addressing substance-use
and offending behaviour and is built around steps 1 to 5 of the 12 Step
programme. You will be encouraged to reflect on your addiction and
offending behaviour and to recognise the need for recovery support. This
stage of treatment will also support you to examine your attitudes and
behaviour, identifying those that have been unhelpful in your life and also
those which can be used as resources to support you in recovery.
In this stage of treatment you will engage in a combination of one-to-one
counselling sessions, individual assignment work, group therapy sessions,
educational workshops, 12 Step educational groups, goals groups and a
weekly community meeting. You will also be supported to develop skills
around cooking, shopping, budgeting and preparing to move into one of our
self-contained flats.
You will be introduced to mutual-aid support, including 12 Step
meetings in the local community.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
2nd Stage
This stage is geared more towards developing the necessary tools for
sustaining recovery through the working of steps 6 to 12. You will be
supported to develop supportive relationships, both inside the
treatment community and with family and significant others. You will
also be supported to explore and develop meaningful recoveryfocused activities. You will also be encouraged to provide peer
support and role-modelling to newer members of the community.
In this stage you will continue to engage in a therapeutic programme
of one-to-one counselling sessions, individual assignment work, group
therapy sessions, educational workshops, step groups, goals groups
and a weekly community meeting.
Alongside your therapeutic work you will also develop a recovery plan
and begin to address your housing, educational, employment and
training needs in preparation for moving back into community living.
Support with housing is a significant component of 2nd Stage.
Staff will work with you to find safe, suitable accommodation in time
for your treatment end. It is expected that you will fully engage in this
process and be proactive, with support, in finding accommodation. If
you experience barriers to this, beyond your control, a ‘grace’ period
of up to 4 weeks after your end date may be agreed, in order for your
accommodation to be finalised.
At whichever stage of treatment you begin, you will agree and
develop an individual treatment plan with your counsellor, based on
your specific goals and aspirations.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
ETE (Employment, Training & Education)
During 2nd Stage treatment, you will attend ETE workshops with our
dedicated worker. This will consist of a series of sessions exploring
education, training and employment issues, such as; developing a CV,
interview skills, disclosure and budgeting. You will also have the
opportunity to spend time in one-to-one sessions with the ETE worker
leading up to your graduation and beyond.
The ETE worker will be aware of training and education possibilities as
well as job opportunities. Your ETE worker will also help you with
applications for employment, volunteering and education. Some
clients may be worried about having to disclose previous offences –
the ETE Worker can also support you with this.
Aftercare & Recovery Support
On completion of treatment you will also devise an individual recovery
plan with your counsellor to ensure your safe and smooth transition into
the community. This may include; continued attendance at group
sessions, one-to-one sessions, relapse prevention and recovery
planning, continued resettlement support. The aftercare service is
available to all clients who complete treatment. Once living in the
community, your attendance at The Bridges must be by appointment
only and negotiated with your counsellor.
RAPt is part of a thriving recovery community in Hull. Aside from
mutual-aid groups, there are various city-wide service user groups,
forums and events, including the RAPt Recovery Support Network that
you can become involved in. Please speak to your counsellor or the
ETE worker. If you choose to resettle elsewhere, you will also be entitled
to ongoing support from RAPt’s Recovery Support Team, based in
London. Again, please ask your counsellor for further information.
Please note: The Bridges reserves the right to withdraw aftercare
support under certain circumstances. For example; you return to
alcohol/drug use and/or offending behaviour, you miss appointments
and/or demonstrate non-compliance with agreed goals.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
3. Policies & Procedures
Treatment Contract
On admission, you will be asked to sign a treatment contract. The
contract is a set of ‘essential commitments’ that you will be asked to
make, in order for you to get the best out of treatment and ensure the
community remains a safe environment for everyone.
The contract is reviewed weekly in the community meeting. If you
experience difficulties with any aspect of it, additional conditions may
be agreed with you, in order to support your treatment.
The standard conditions are as follows:
These are the essential conditions that will enable me to get the most
out of my time at the Bridges and ensure the safety of myself and the
treatment community.
I will remain abstinent from all mood-altering substances throughout
my time in treatment. To ensure the Bridges remains a drug-free
environment, I understand that I will be required to leave the
programme if I use substances. I will be supported through this process
and staff will work with me to find appropriate move-on
accommodation where possible.
I will refrain from criminal activity, violence and threatening behaviour
throughout my time in treatment. To ensure the safety of the treatment
community, I understand that I will be discharged should I commit
serious acts of criminal activity, violence or threatening behaviour.
I will constructively challenge unhelpful or destructive behaviour in my
peers. I recognise that colluding with behaviour such as substance
use, criminal activity, violence or threatening behaviour may
compromise my safety and that of my peers.
I will refrain from using verbal abuse, including racist, sexist or
homophobic language. I understand that anger is an everyday,
human emotion but I will seek constructive ways of expressing it. I will
also refrain from using offensive language around the building.
I will refrain from starting exclusive, intimate or sexual relationships
throughout my time in treatment. I recognise that this may be a real
temptation, particularly during difficult times in treatment, however, I
will seek support from my peers and my counsellor if I experience
difficulty with this. I understand that pornography is not permitted
whilst in treatment.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
I will not visit pubs, clubs or gambling establishments throughout my
time in treatment. I recognise that these environments may be risky to
my recovery and commit to staying clear of them. There may be
occasions when I need to visit a licenced premises, however, I will seek
guidance from my peers and my counsellor before proceeding.
I will commit to completing assignment work and other treatmentrelated tasks within agreed timescales. This may include, 12 step
assignment work, SES sheets, goals group paperwork and work
associated with my care plan goals. If I experience difficulty with this, I
will seek support from my peers and my counsellor.
I will attend at least two mutual-aid meetings per week. Groups, such
as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous will provide
essential support throughout my time in treatment and beyond.
I will treat the building and its contents with respect. I will refrain from
smoking in communal areas and will not eat or drink in group sessions. I
will take an active role in community duties and look after my living
environment.
I will attend all elements of the programme and will arrive on time for
sessions. If I am unable to attend, for any reason, I will discuss this with
staff in advance. I understand that if I am late, I will not be allowed to
enter the session.
I will maintain confidentiality at all times. This means I will not discuss
issues shared in sessions with those outside of the treatment
community. Exceptions to this may include meetings with my
probation officer or funder. If unsure, I will seek guidance from my
counsellor.
I will observe the procedures outlined in the Client Handbook. I will
ensure I have read and understood the Handbook. If I experience
difficulty with any aspect of it, I will approach my peers and my
counsellor for guidance.
By signing this contract, I am making a commitment to live within
these conditions for the duration of my treatment. If I experience
difficulties with any part of the contract, I will seek support from my
peers and my counsellor. I understand that if I continue to live outside
of these conditions, despite the help offered, I may jeopardise my
place in treatment.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
Drug Testing Policy
During your stay in treatment, you may be asked to give a urine
sample, take a breathalyser test and/or an oral swab at any time of
the day or night. We operate a random testing policy to ensure that
the treatment community maintains its drug free status. There is no
suspicion attached to the tests. Therefore, if you have been tested one
day, you could be tested the following day, or at some time later in
the week.
Urine test will be supervised by members of staff, one of whom will be
present in the lavatory whilst you produce the sample. This is to ensure
that a genuine sample is taken.
CARE WILL BE TAKEN TO PRESERVE YOUR DIGNITY AT ALL TIMES!
If a urine test is requested, YOU MUST produce an observed sample
within 2 hours. Failure to do so may result in a positive test being
recorded which could result in your discharge from treatment.
A diluted or adulterated test or urine sample may also result in exit
from the treatment programme. Therefore, you are responsible for the
amount of water taken during a 24 hour period. Poor management of
this could result in a dilution and possible exit from the programme.
This testing policy is essential to ensure that The Bridges remains a safe,
drug and alcohol free environment.
Time out of the Project
On arrival in treatment, you will be expected to remain on the
premises for your first three full days (not including day of admission).
This is to allow time for you to settle-in and ground yourself in your new
environment.
Following this period, 1st Stage clients are expected to go out under
escort from 2nd Stage clients at all times, unless agreed otherwise.
Curfew for 1st Stage clients is 5pm, unless you are attending a 12 Step
meeting with peers. These restrictions will be reviewed and relaxed as
you progress through treatment. For 1st Stage clients, time out
unescorted is typically agreed on or around completion of step 2.
Clients entering at 2nd Stage will follow the same procedure as 1st
Stage for an initial ‘settling-in’ period. Following this period, you will
meet with your counsellor to agree going out unescorted. Curfew for
2nd Stage clients is 10pm.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
Accommodation
You will spend your first period in treatment living in bedsit
accommodation. Each bedsit is single-occupancy. Communal
bathrooms, toilets and showers are situated on each floor along with
the communal lounges. You are encouraged to use communal
spaces to integrate with and get to know your peer group.
The treatment team will monitor your progress through the programme
and assess your readiness for progressing into a flat.
Each flat is self-contained and furnished, comprising of a bedroom,
bathroom, lounge and kitchen. You are still encouraged to mix with
your peer group although more emphasis is placed on developing
your skills for independent living. Once living in a flat, you will be
responsible for your gas and electric costs which are metered to
measure your personal usage together with a weekly contribution of
£5 towards your water charges.
Please note: all accommodation will be subject to routine room
checks. These are to ensure that health & safety policy is being
observed, that you are maintaining your accommodation
appropriately and that your accommodation is free from unauthorised
items such as mood-altering chemicals, medications, mobile phones,
televisions etc. Staff will endeavour to offer you the opportunity to be
present during room checks.
Meals
During 1st Stage, you will be supported by staff and volunteers to plan and prepare
your meals. This will involve taking part in a mealtime rota with your peers in order
to prepare lunch and dinner for those in 1st Stage. Alongside this, there is the
option to gain a recognised qualification in food safety. Meal times are 12.45pm
for lunch and 5pm for dinner. If you have difficulty with this, or require particular
arrangements, please discuss this with your counsellor at the earliest opportunity.
Specific dietary requirements will be catered for. To support this, you will be asked
to complete a dietary requirements form on admission.
Once you progress into a flat, you will receive your full benefit entitlement and will
plan and prepare your meals independently.
Please note: preparing meals will involve working in a kitchen environment. It is
essential that you follow any safety and hygiene instructions when using kitchen
equipment and preparing food and that you report any accidents or concerns to
staff immediately.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
Exercise & Use of the Gym
It is recognised that the rebuilding of physical health is an important
part of your recovery whilst in treatment. There are reasonable gym
facilities in the local area which you may use.
You are encouraged to work with your counsellor to develop and monitor
your physical health routine as over-exercising can become a substitute
addiction and be damaging to your recovery.
Please note: the use of steroids, creatine and other body-building
supplements are not permitted in treatment. Energy drinks with high caffeine
content such as Red Bull are also not permitted.
Money & Loans
When you arrive in treatment, you will be assisted in making a new
claim for benefits. In most cases, whilst living in a bedsit, you will be
paid a weekly allowance of £24.40. This is the amount the government
states you should be paid whilst in residential care. The remainder of
your benefits is to be paid to the Bridges as a contribution to the cost
of your treatment.
In some cases, the people funding your treatment do not require you
to make a contribution from your benefits. If this is the case, you will be
asked to place the remainder of your benefit in savings so that you
remain on £24.40 per week. You may be asked to provide evidence of
this, such as regular bank statements etc.
If you are unsure about any financial arrangements, please speak to
your counsellor and, if necessary, your funder.
If you are in 2nd Stage and living in a self-contained flat, you will
receive your full benefit entitlement and be supported to manage
your finances independently.
Clients are asked to live within these means and not receive regular
additional income from external sources, such as family/friends, unless
for special occasions such as birthdays.
If you enter treatment and have savings or income from elsewhere,
we ask that you declare this to your counsellor on admission.
Loans to clients are not normally allowed, however exceptional
circumstances may be considered. Please discuss any financial issues
with your counsellor.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
Use of the Telephone
Mobile phones are not permitted whilst living in a bedsit. Once you
have moved into a flat, you are permitted to have a mobile phone
but may only use it in your personal residence or whilst out of the
project. Smartphones or phones with full internet access are not
permitted at any time during your stay at The Bridges.
There is a payphone for clients’ use which is located at the bottom of
the stairs on the ground floor. The payphone is available for use from
5pm until lights out on treatment days and from 10.30am until lights out
at weekends. You will be expected to pay for the calls you make so
ensure you retain adequate change for your phone calls.
If making official telephone calls, for example, to arrange medical
appointments or contact probation and other agencies, you may use
the office telephones with agreement from your Focal Counsellor.
Your Focal Counsellor may also agree use of office telephones under
exceptional circumstances, for example, family bereavement and
other compassionate grounds.
Televisions & Personal Electronics
There are two communal TV lounges available for you to watch
television outside of treatment times. Televisions are not permitted in
your personal residences whilst in treatment.
Personal electronics such as games consoles, laptops and tablets are
not permitted whilst in treatment. You may have a CD player/radio in
your residence provided noise is kept to a minimum. Please also
ensure that all electronic equipment is switched off when not in use.
Medical & Dental Treatment
On arrival at The Bridges, you will be registered with a local GP Surgery
which will then be responsible for your medical needs throughout your
treatment. Dental treatment is also available through a local practice.
If you have any specific medical or health needs, please advise your
Focal Counsellor during induction.
If, at any time during your treatment you require medical or dental
treatment, please approach your counsellor to discuss your needs.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
Please note: medical/dental preparations that contain alcohol, such
as mouthwashes and cough medicines are not permitted.
Medication
The Bridges is required to follow strict guidelines around the
management of medicines. Therefore, the following medication policy
must be observed.
Any medications prescribed during your stay in treatment will be
centrally stored and made available to you by staff during the times
stated in reception.
If, during your treatment, you suffer a minor condition which requires a
‘homely remedy’ or ‘over the counter’ medication, please approach
a member of staff who will organise administering it to you. Any
‘homely remedy’ must be administered according to the specified
instructions. Examples of minor conditions include; headache,
common cold, diarrhoea, stomach upset etc.
Please note: if your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, we are
required to refer you to your GP for further medical assistance.
The Bridges operates a policy of total abstinence from all moodaltering chemicals, including mood-altering medications. Exceptions
to this may be made if you suffer from diagnosed mental health
conditions, such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or long-term
clinical depression, or other health conditions where such medications
are the only available treatment option.
If you enter treatment on such medications, the treatment team may
ask that your medication be reviewed regularly in conjunction with
your GP or other health professional where applicable.
If, in any instance, your medication directly results in difficulties
engaging in the programme, the treatment team may ask that an
alternative medication or treatment option is sought.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
Home Visits & Family Visits
Home visits are not permitted whilst in 1st Stage treatment unless under
exceptional circumstances. Please seek advice from your counsellor in
any instance.
You may receive family visits at the Bridges during 1st Stage treatment,
although not normally within the first 2 weeks. Again, seek advice from
your counsellor.
If you are entering treatment in 2nd Stage, you will be eligible for
requesting home visits once 30 days treatment has been completed.
As with 1st Stage, you may receive family visits at the Bridges, although
not normally within the first 2 weeks.
Funding for the cost of home visits will essentially be your responsibility.
Your funder may agree to assist you with the cost of home visits,
however please seek advice prior to arranging your visit. The Bridges
may offer assistance with covering the cost of your step 9 visit if no
alternative funding is available.
Please note: home visits should be requested up to 10 days in
advance of the proposed visit. This is to allow time for the treatment
team to liaise with probation and/or other external agencies as
required.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice
Use of the Laundry
The Bridges has a laundry room, located on the ground floor. Use of
the laundry is based on a rota system. On arrival, please approach the
duty staff member who will place you on the laundry rota. Your weekly
slot is understood to be for your specific use, although you may
negotiate swapping slots with other clients if necessary.
Dress Code
You will be expected to attend all group and one-to-one sessions,
including check-in, appropriately dressed. Inappropriate dress
includes; shorts, vests/sleeveless tops, hats, hoods up, and flip
flops/sandals without socks.
Please note: hats, sunglasses and hoods, also clothing displaying
offensive messages or language, or graphics and messages relating to
alcohol/drug use are not to be worn on the project at any time.
Disclaimer: The Bridges reserves the right to amend these policies at such times as deemed necessary. In this
event, The Bridges will endeavour to consult with you at the earliest opportunity regarding any proposed policy
changes.
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The Bridges, Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation for criminal justice