Drug and alcohol services rated ‘Good’ by CQC

Darlington’s drug and alcohol services provider has been rated ‘Good’ following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

We Are With You, was commissioned by Darlington Borough Council’s Public Health team two years ago to deliver STRIDE, the drug and alcohol service which offers support, treatment and recovery.

Based in Coniscliffe Road, We Are With You -Darlington, was inspected by CQC for the first time in a short-notice (24 hour) inspection which was carried out over two days in May.

It was given a ‘good’ rating overall and was rated ‘good’ in all aspects of care – providing services that a safe, effecting and caring and that are responsive to people’s needs and are well-led.

As part of the inspection, staff members and clients were spoken to, care and treatment records reviewed, the premises checked and the inspection team also observed a daily flash meeting and group session as well as how staff interacted with clients.

Among the points raised in the summary of findings, the report stated We Are With You was rated good because:

• The service provided safe care.
• Staff developed holistic, recovery-orientated care plans informed by comprehensive assessment.
• The team included or had access to the full range of specialists required to meet the needs of clients under its care.
• Staff treated clients with compassion and kindness and understood the individual needs of clients. They actively involved clients in decisions and care planning.
• The service was easy to access.
• The service was well led.

However, the inspection team also made several recommendations on actions to improve including ensuring clients have regular access to therapeutic activities; all clients are offered a copy of their care plan and the provider should continue its recruitment efforts to ensure adequate numbers of staff to meet the needs of service users and make staff caseloads more manageable.

Cllr Kevin Nicholson, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for health and housing, said:

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More information about Darlington’s drug and alcohol services (STRIDE) can be found on the Public Health pages of our website, which can be found under health and Social Care on our home page at www.darlington.gov.uk Alternatively visit www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/darlngton-at-stride/

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Notes to editor

We Are With You in Darlington works with people on their own goals, whether that’s staying safe and healthy, making small changes or stopping an unwanted habit altogether. We provide a free and confidential service without judgment to give people support in a way that’s right for them, either face to face in their local service, community or online.

If you’re over 18 and live in Darlington and are worried about your own drug and alcohol use or someone else’s, please get in touch by calling 01325 809810.

Contact Darlington Borough Council’s Communications Unit by email at: communications@darlington.gov.uk

Contact name: Karen Bell

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