New Norfolk substance misuse service launches 

New services to provide support to children, young people and families across Norfolk who are misusing drugs or alcohol, or who are affected by the misuse of others, is being launched today (October 1) by the Matthew Project.

 
Following The Matthew Project’s successful re-tender for the provision of young people’s drug and alcohol services in Norfolk, from October 1 the Under18 team will be called Unity, and will provide two new services in partnership with Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk Carers Support and Children’s Services.
 
Commissioned by the Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Partnership the new service will provide:

• Comprehensive assessment and regular support or counselling with a plan of care
• Specific support for young carers in partnership with Norfolk Carers Support
• Group activities and the chance to have fun socially with others
• Parenting courses
• Advice and consultation for professionals working with children and young people. 

Services for young people who misuse substances will also still include:

• Advice, support, brief interventions and treatment for young people and their families
• Comprehensive assessment and regular support or counselling with a plan of care
• Harm reduction work including blood borne virus testing and vaccinations
• Community Prescribing, family interventions and access to residential treatment
• Support for parents of children using substances

 
The Matthew Project: Unity will be made up of counsellors, a social worker, young people’s practitioners, carer’s workers, nurses, administrators and managers, as well as being supported by volunteers and students who give their time to help young people and their families.
 
Naomi Selim, Unity Services Manager, said: “The new services offered by The Matthew Project: Unity will provide support to children and young people across Norfolk, giving them information about substances so they can make an informed choice as well as the space to talk through issues that are affecting them and develop coping strategies.”
 
If you would like more information about the services provided by The Matthew Project: Unity please email unity@matthewproject.org or to refer a child or young person to the service, please ring 01603 216420. For information on the services provided by the Matthew Project, visit www.matthewproject.org