Widening access to residential rehab in Scotland
Scottish government launches new fund and online directory to increase access and support more than 100 residential rehabilitation placements.
The Scottish government has announced a new £2m residential rehabilitation additional placement fund (APF) to provide extra support for local alcohol and drug partnerships (ADPs) that experience high demand as they deliver frontline services on behalf of local authorities and health boards. The new fund will be delivered by third-sector partners Scotland Excel.
Photo by Shane
What’s more, a new online service directory now provides an up-to-date nationwide list of accredited, participating residential rehabilitation providers, making it easier to find and access the services needed. The rehab.scot website also provides details of associated support services, guidance on accessing rehab and has a section in which people share their lived experience of rehab, to help show others the path ahead.
Residential Rehab is a live-in programme lasting at least three months in which participants are supported so that they are able to live without drugs or alcohol. This often involves helping them to understand and deal with the issues that led them to drugs and alcohol in the first place. Many providers use a mix of approaches to achieve this, such as the Narcotics/Alcoholics Anonymous (NA/AA) 12-step model, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), social learning and therapeutic communities. There is often also a focus on developing new skills useful in real-life situations.
Many such rehab providers also provide aftercare, supporting participants beyond their time in the residency. The long-term aim is better physical and mental health, improved relationships, job prospects and finances.
Christina McKelvie MP, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, says: ‘A recent PHS publication found we are on track to meet our commitment of 1,000 people receiving public funding for residential rehab but we want to do more and we are working hard to remove potential barriers to people accessing it.
‘Those working in ADPs have helped design this approach, which complements a range of other residential rehabilitation projects supported by the Scottish Government. This demand-led fund will allow ADPs that need the greatest number of placements to draw down on additional funding for these when they need it – helping ensure funding is targeted at those areas which face the biggest challenges in meeting demand and where help is needed the most.
‘The online directory of providers will also make it easier for people to access placements. It will help professionals in the sector as well as empowering individuals and their loved ones to access quality residential rehabilitation and identify the service best placed to support them.’
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