Substance Misuse

It is not essential that clients are completely abstinent from drugs and alcohol to attend the programme. However, where there is a substance misuse problem, the client must be able to demonstrate that they are stable enough to commit themselves to full attendance and must not be under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol whilst attending sessions. It is acceptable for clients to use prescribed medication, including methadone, as long as this does not affect their ability to take part in the group. It is not acceptable for clients to misuse this medication. If anyone is suspected of supplying drugs / alcohol to other members of the group they will be asked to leave the programme immediately.

Basic Skills checks

The client will need to complete a Full literacy and numeracy check before this referral is sent to the Life Skills course. These checks need to be sent to the friends centre. (01273 607867). Please clearly write LIFE SKILLS on the front of the checks. If a referral is received and a skills check has not been completed, the client will not be assessed. Our clients need to have an Entry3 or higher Literacy and Numeracy level.

Attendance

Clients must be able to commit themselves to attending the whole course. They will need to attend 80% of all sessions in order to receive their certificates. They will also need to be punctual for sessions and stay to the end of sessions.

Mental Health Issues

The programme can accommodate people with mental health problems. Individuals will be assessed in terms of their support needs and ability to interact in a group setting.

Risk Assessment

A Life Skills Worker will carry out a risk assessment prior to a client starting on the programme. This assessment will look at risk factors such as potential violence towards others, self harm and mental health support needs, substance misuse and ability to cope with intensive group situations.

Commitment / Motivation

It is very important that the client wants to attend the course for him / herself rather than to please or placate others. Additionally, the programme must not be seen as an ‘easy route’ into gaining a tenancy. Although it is certainly an advantage to hold a Life Skills certificate when being considered for housing by some providers, no guarantee can be made that this will lead to an offer of a tenancy.

It is also important that clients are open minded about the course content and are willing to try new activities. It is essential that the client can commit themselves to the hours of the programme and is able to complete the six weeks. There will be a ‘trial’ taster week prior to each course in order to give people the opportunity to see if the course will be right for them.

Housing Status

Clients should be homeless, insecurely housed or in temporary accommodation. They may also be in permanent accommodation but at possible risk of losing their tenancy.