Client Welfare Service - Colchester & Tendring

One of the problems Open Road encounters when treating clients is the fact that most clients lead chaotic lives, and often find their lives revolve around drug use and how to finance it and housing, jobs and education are neglected.  In addition many drug and alcohol users have experienced a breakdown in relationships with their partner, friend or family and so are unable to rely on the support networks that many of us take for granted. However it is our experience that clients coming to Open Road for help and support are unlikely to be able to start on the road to recovery without a roof over their heads and some money for food and bills.

The aim of the Client Welfare Service is to provide a ‘wraparound’ service for clients coming to Open Road for help with their addictions. The service provides a comprehensive and all embracing package on such issues as Housing, Welfare Benefits , Debts & arrears , education and training. We also provide advocacy and support such as accompanying clients to other Institutions or acting as an intermediary.

We have been offering the service for two years and have seen very positive results ; 267 clients seen, 72 % remained in therapy compared  with 50 % who were not seeing a Client Welfare Advisor. We continue to explore new areas to support clients and are currently exploring the possibility to offer an ‘outreach service’ to the more rural areas.