Services include: Street Based Services, General Practitioner Liaison Service, Criminal Justice Team, Harm Reduction Services, Community Detox, two Community Drug Teams, two Alcohol Teams and Abstinence Services. There is also a social work team based within the Substance Misuse Services.
Two specialist substance misuse and alcohol teams in the borough (in Wigan and Leigh town centres) provide expertise to help to identify and tackle drug and drink related problems, such as:
- depression
- health-damaging behaviour
- anxiety and stress
- relationship problems
- coming off drugs or alcohol
- staying off drugs or alcohol
- legal problems
- financial problems
- employment and training
- choosing the right rehabilitation service
The teams provide access to a range of treatment and support options for people with dependent substance misuse problems.
Advice, information and counselling
- The service can provide advice, guidance and support to users and relatives, and a telephone support and advice service is available during office hours. The social work team can undertake carer's assessments for anyone caring for someone who is in treatment with the substance misuse service.
- A wide range of information leaflets, educational material and health advice is also available.
- Specialist counselling can also be provided, aimed at reducing health-damaging behaviour associated with substance misuse, and supporting people to prevent relapse.
Needle exchange
A needle exchange service is provided at both substance misuse teams, in partnership with local pharmacies. It provides clean equipment for people who don't want to stop using, and the facilities for safe disposal of used equipment. It also includes: primary health care, Hepatitis screening and vaccination, HIV pre and post counselling.
Community detoxification
The service provides a range of options for community-based detoxification from drugs and alcohol.
In-patient detoxification
The service can refer people onto regional in-patient facilities, offering detoxification programmes for both drugs and alcohol.
Residential rehabilitation
The social workers based in the service carry out assessments to help people to choose the right residential facility. This includes applying for funding, and supporting people once they are in residential rehab.
Direct payments
A direct payment is a cash payment given by the council to enable people to buy their own care services from the person or agency of their choice. The social workers within the substance misuse service carry out assessments for people who need community care support. Any need identified in the assessment can be met through a direct payment.
Helpline
Greater Manchester West Mental health NHS Foundation Trust also operates a local helpline, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - phone 0800 389 4463.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is having problems with a drug or alcohol addiction, contact Wigan and Leigh Substance Misuse Services who will advise you how to make a referral for services. Referrals for the service can be either self-referral, or referral by an agency. All services are free and confidential. The aim is to offer an assessment appointment within 48 hours.
