Secondary Care is designed to meet the needs of clients who have completed the Primary Care element of their Treatment programme and wish to build on the progress they have made so far. Clients who access Secondary Care are beginning to make the transition into a more independent lifestyle but still require the support and care offered by a structured programme in order to sustain the major life changes they have begun to make.

Ensuring that this transition is made in a planned and manageable way is vital and therefore the level of structure and support will be monitored and reviewed to ensure that it meets the needs of the client. The existing social and coping skills of the client will be considered before any additional responsibilities are placed on them to ensure that the rate of progress is realistic and sustainable for them.

During this phase the timetable is less structured but clients are still responsible for ensuring that they attend all timetabled activities. One to one counselling and group therapy sessions remain a major part of the programme, but additional time is given over to taking part in voluntary work and education or training opportunities.

Life skills development is also a priority in Secondary Care; budgeting, menu planning, shopping and preparing meals, as well as domestic health and hygiene, are all supervised by a member of the housekeeping team.

This phase of Treatment has a planned duration of 12 weeks; however, some clients may find that they require an extension to this period. This will be negotiated between the service user, Care Manager and Keyworker.

Individual Treatment plans will be developed with each service user, and will be informed by the wider Care Plan developed with their Care Manager. Reviews will take place every six weeks throughout the treatment programme.

During a client’s first review, at a session usually attended by the client, Care Manager and keyworker, plans for moving on from Secondary Care will be established. The option of remaining in the local area and attending Sanctuary Addiction and Alcohol Services for Aftercare will be explored, as will alternative options. If it is decided that an individual would benefit from Aftercare, an assessment will be arranged.

For clients who are returning to their area of origin, a planned process of resettlement will be implemented, including the development of support networks, access to suitable accommodation, risk management plans and contingency management.