We are an integrated team managed by Turning Point with staff from Turning Point and partner agencies, NECA and DISC. The Community Integration Team also has a team of trained mentors to further compliment the work that the team does by offering social and mentor support to the individuals accessing the service.
Our aim is to work with people on a one to one basis to help them to move forward in life by accessing community resources that meet their interests and needs. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, leisure, education, employment, arts and indeed, any other area of personal development. We aim to enable people to make decisions and take actions to improve their lifestyle, increase confidence and decrease dependence on drug treatment services. The Community Integration team also recognises the challenges that people face because of social exclusion and at the same time, value the life experiences that people have. The aims of the team compliment the new National Drugs Strategy which highlights social reintegration as an important focus.
We are unable to take self referrals but we are of course happy to speak to anyone who would like more information about the service.
You can find us at "In2Change" on Jackson Street close to Gateshead High Street and the Gateshead Interchange.
We can be contacted 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. We are an out reach team and will work with clients outside of these hours and at venues suited to the individuals need.
| Telephone: | 0191 478 8880 |
When the team was being developed it was identified through service user consultation that the needs of women were different to those of men and so in response to this the team has a specific women’s worker who has a focus on women’s development and on supporting women to access opportunities in their community. The team became operational in May 2007. The Community Integration Team is based in central Gateshead working with Gateshead adults who have had problems with drug use and are currently making progress and engaging well in a drug treatment service. The service provides wrap around support to further enhance positive gains that have been made in treatment. Referrals are taken from NECA and Twentyfour:7 Care Coordination Team, Criminal Justice Team and Harm Reduction Service.
