| About Companions
Please select from the list of topics below to jump directly to that section
Why Companions?
After working for a number of years in the residential care arena we felt that there was a lack of rehabilitation services for young people with substance misuse issues. Over the years we have witnessed the developing habits of a number of young people, who have either sadly lost their lives as a result of substance misuse or have made the transition to adulthood as prolific offenders.
'Companions' came from an idea about the relationship between people and their pets and the therapeutic value that animals can offer. Young people often feel isolated and even the most withdrawn may open up and let the barriers down when animals are around. Animals bring support, comfort, pleasure, stress-relief and stimulation to young people experiencing emotional difficulties. The companionship of an undemanding animal, that gives unconditional love, is often one of the most missed aspects of their lives.
> Back to top
| A Much Needed Resource |
| “The National Treatment Outcome Research study (NTORS) showed that clients entering residential rehabilitation and inpatient programmes made substantial improvements in terms of abstinence from and reduction of, illicit drug misuse, criminal activity, levels of injecting and psychological health. The study also showed that clients who stayed in treatment for a critical time (more than three months) showed better outcomes than those who left the programme at an earlier stage. It also showed that severely dependent and problematic misusers could achieve positive outcomes as a result of residential rehabilitation programmes.” |
Gossop et al. 1999b and 2001a
Models of Care for the treatment of drug misusers – Promoting quality, efficiency and effectiveness in drug misuse services in England, 2002 |
| |
| “In the tier system (Health Advisory Service, 1996) for drug users, tier 1 are young people not particularly at risk of substance misuse, tier 2 are those at risk of misuse, tier 3 are those currently misusing and tier 4 are those with intense problems associated with substance misuse, including serious dependence, dual diagnosis or multiple personal and social problems.” |
The National Evaluation of the Youth Justice Board Drug and Alcohol Projects, 2004 |
| |
| “The high conviction rates found suggest that there is a need for more Tier 4 treatment for young offenders. Young people who both use drugs routinely and offend persistently can be considered to have complex multiple problems, whatever the causal links between offending and substance use and even if the primary substances used are cannabis and alcohol, rather than heroin or cocaine.” |
The National Evaluation of the Youth Justice Board Drug and Alcohol Projects, 2004 |
| |
| In many countries the paediatric systems are not competent to handle drug abuse by children and adult treatment centres do not accept under-age clients or patients. “Health Services need to be oriented to drug misuse by children. Therapeutic rehabilitative services specifically tailored for children and young people are urgently needed” |
Implementation Handbook for the convention on the Rights of the child,
June 2002 |
| |
| “The time has come to stop judging young people with an addiction but to help them. I have always believed that simply swapping one drug for another in the form of methadone will not work by itself.” |
Mike Wolfe, Mayer of Stoke-on-Trent, Evening Sentinel 16/07/04 |
| |
| The government’s 5-year strategic plan claims that by 2008 “We will have reduced the demand for drugs by increasing the provision of prompt and effective treatment to 200,000 problems drug users compared with 100,000 in 1998, and by providing more rehabilitation and aftercare”. |
Home Office strategic Plan: Confident Communities in a secure Britain (2.9,reducing the harm caused by drugs) 2004 |
> Back to top
Our Philosophy
The ethos and philosophy of ‘Companions’ is that we believe all young people need help, guidance and support as they grow and develop.
We believe that by offering the young person : -
- a homely environment away from negative influences
- incorporate structure, boundries, routine
- treat each young person as an individual with individual needs
- give lots of praise, be open, honest and consistent about consequences
- therapies and counselling from regular and consistent professionals
- support during the transition period from care to independence
With substance misuse problems therapeutic intervention within a therapeutic environment, the young person’s physical needs are being met with the highest levels of care. Existing anxieties and potential anxieties can be addressed by our qualified in-house counsellors and by our experienced staff team.
> Back to top
Hunters Moon
Hunter’s Moon is a detached self-contained house in a quiet semi-rural location surrounded by open fields. It is situated approximately one mile away from the pretty village of Eccleshall.
The house has three large bedrooms, a communal lounge, a large kitchen/dining area, Activity room, two education rooms, a ground floor WC, laundry room,
conservatory,
upstairs bath/shower room, and w.c. There is a room allocated to allow private visits.
Each young person will have their own room, which will be decorated to a high standard and will include bed, storage, workspace and television. Personalising individual space will be supported as far as practical.
Hunter’s Moon is designed to be safe, comfortable, warm and welcoming offering communal, private and personal space.
Living at Hunters Moon
Young people will experience structure & routine in their everyday life at the home. The environment promotes a homely safe place to live in which the young people can express their happiness, worries and ambitions without the fear of recrimination. Young people are encouraged to assist with the welfare of the resident animals and will where practical be encouraged and supported to won and look after their own small pet.
Staff Ratio:
At all times there will be a 1:1 (one member of staff to one young person) however 2:1 could be facilitated should this be necessary.
Behaviour:
‘Companions’ operate a behaviour management system, which encourages the young people to look at their behaviour and address issues which are hindering the path to achieve their ambitions or acceptance into today’s society.
From the time of admission the young person will follow the ‘Stages of Progress’ program. The young people will work through three stages each allowing more independence with the third stage being ready for independence. Behaviour and attitude can determine how quickly each stage is completed.
Education:
Following an educational assessment the young persons level of understanding, attainments, interests and wishes are incorporated into a personal weekly lesson plan which will be reviewed on a regular basis by the young person and education staff. Education takes place in rooms specifically designed for this purpose.
Activities & free time:
Activities will be on and off-site. Many of the activities will be chosen by the young person who will have the opportunity to earn points towards extra activities. Some of the activities will be classed as educational and will be placed on the weekly time-table.
Activities could be:
- Swimming
- Gym membership
- Trips to theme parks or the seaside
- Golf
- Pool or snooker
- Horse-riding
- Visit historical buildings or local pot banks
- Tennis
- Monkey sanctuary
- Wildlife areas
- Cinema
- Theatre
- Dance – Hip-hop – Street
- Ice skating & skiing
The list is endless. Hunters Moon is situated within easy reach of the motorway therefore many places are within easy reach.
There will be occasions when the young people do not want to venture out and request a day or night in. It is with this in mind the home is equipped with games, dvd’s, books and outdoor games which can be played on the lawn.
Staff understand the young person may just want to watch tv and have a quiet night in. We do have one take-away night per week, where staff and young people can order food in.
Therapies
Counselling - once a week by our qualified counsellor. This may be on or off-site. All staff have basic counselling skills
Aromatherapy - once a week by our qualified aroma-therapist.
Pets as therapy – daily
Music – once a week
Transitional Outreach Work
Companions recognise when a young person leaves Hunters Moon to live independent they may feel vulnerable and lonely. We aim to ensure this transition is planned and sufficient resources are in place to give the young person confidence and skills to maximise their chances of succeeding in the community. Teaching the young people independent skills begins from day one of admission. For young people who will be aiming to live in the local area, our staff along with the young person and placing authority prepare a Transitional Outreach Package. This will ensure the young person continues contact and support from our team. It also allows the young person the opportunity to continue to receive education and therapies at Hunters Moon should this be required.
(Package fees vary dependent upon young person’s requirements)
> Back to top
Virtual Tour of Companions
> Back to top
|
