Network Innovation Special March 2015

ISSUE 29

NETWORK INNOVATION SPECIAL

5-A-SIDE

MEMORIAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

MAR 2015

LGBT

WORKSHOPS AT HMP HOLLOWAY

innovation

CELEBRATING PHOENIX FIRSTS

COMMUNITY

DEPUT Y MAYOR VISITS KC NORTH

IN FOCUS

RECOVERY IN THE COMMUNIT Y

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to March’s edition of Network. This month’s issue is an Innovation special. We’re celebrating innovation across Phoenix.

In this issue:

• • • • • • •

Phoenix Firsts Chris Barber Memorial 5-A-Side Promoting LGBT No Place Productions at HMP Garth Innovation at HMP Wymott Phoenix in Focus and..

Families in Recovery Deborah Mackay - Editor

Network is all about sharing news, stories and best practice around the Phoenix Futures Group. For guidance on how to submit your content to Network please see the guidelines below.

Point of contact: Please send all content through to me at deborah.mackay@phoenix-futures.org.uk Summary: By submitting a short summary of your news we will be able to develop your content into a full article or feature. This only needs to be one to two paragraphs.

Article: If you would like to write a full article for Network the word count is approximately 350 words. Think about what you want to share and what the main points are. Keeping wording short and simple will help keep readers engaged.

Photos: It’s great to have photos to accompany news and articles in Network. The best way to send photos is to attach them in an email. When sending photos please include names of those pictured.

To get the best out of your photos (and show off your content) why not try these top tips?

• Lighting: Whichever camera you use lighting is important. Make sure there’s plenty of light indoors or go

outdoors for natural light.

• Keep steady: Use two hands to steady your camera / smartphone and get a good clear image.

• Frame it: Think about what you want in your photo and avoid clutter. If you want to zoom in it’s often best

to move closer rather than rely on the zoom, which can reduce picture quality.

For more tips on getting the best snaps why not search the web? There are plenty of great articles like this from techradar.

Editorial process: All content will be reviewed and edited if needed to fit with the overall tone and theme of the magazine.

Deadline: Please submit content by the 15th of each month for it to be featured in the next issue.

BELEIVE IN BEING THE BEST

Phoenix Push Ups This month we’re introducing a new section to Network. The Phoenix Push Ups is an opportunity to highlight the great work done by our colleagues and volunteers. If there’s some one you’d like to recognise send you ‘push up’ with the name of the person you are pushing up along with their service and they’ll be featured in the monthly Phoenix Push Ups. SCOTT DAVIDSON, HMP ONLEY...

Through his tenacity, passion and commitment Scott has managed to obtain funding to provide a media course and a ‘Beyond Recovery’ program that will enhance his already successful service…..he also cooked some pretty mean sausages at the tree planting event.

KAREN LAVERICK , DERBY CITY...

For her tireless and committed efforts in preparation for the new contract. Outstanding!

MANSUKH MISTRY, FINANCE DEPARTMENT...

One of life’s true gents…always helpful, always courteous and always cheerful.

JO HALL, WIDENING HORIZONS LEICESTER...

Because of her ongoing passion for improving the lives of our service users Jo cancelled her annual leave so that she could attend the forthcoming service user qualification awareness session….she didn’t have to, but she did. That’s Jo all over!

JAMES MIDDLETON, WIRRAL RESIDENTIAL Jimmy was a volunteer for a number of months, became an apprentice therapeutic worker and has now officially just been appointed as Care Team worker. He has committed himself to the service for the last 3 years, striving to achieve the ultimate goal of employment. His dedication and commitment is exemplary….He is an absolute asset to my team and ultimately each of the service users we work with….. Well done Jim :)

VALUE OUR HISTORY

Phoenix Firsts: Innovation at Phoenix Since it’s pioneering beginnings in the late 1960’s when Griffith Edwards responded to the words of his patients who repeatedly told him that a detox alone was not enough to enable their recovery, Phoenix Futures has continued to listen to service users. This philosophy has informed our development of innovative services for more than four decades; designing services that reflect the ever changing treatment and support needs of our people. In doing so we have been at the cutting edge of service development in the drug and alcohol sector and, as a result of this user led philosophy, we have achieved a number of ‘firsts’ in the UK. • In response to hearing about the risk of losing custody of their children that drug using parents faced if they referred themselves for treatment, Phoenix opened the first residential rehabilitation service to accommodate parents and their children in 1987 • In answer to the obvious but at the time unanswered connection between drug use and criminality Phoenix developed the first prison based therapeutic treatment service for addictions in HMP Wayland in 1994, which led to the introduction of Phoenix Therapeutic Communities in a number of other prisons. They are now a recognised and accredited component of criminal justice responses to drug using offenders.

• In 1995 Phoenix went into partnership with the London Connection and St Mungo’s to provide the first service targeted specifically at homeless young people with drug problems in the West End of London.

• We have looked to learn from experiences in providing addiction services in other counties and with European Community Funding our ECett project has allowed Phoenix staff to engage in short placements with European partners to share skills and knowledge and best practice.

• In partnership with the Woodland Trust Phoenix is growing a new forest near St Albans. Hundreds of trees are planted every year to celebrate a successful recovery. So far we have planted 7,000 trees since 2010.

• In 2012 Phoenix launched the Voyage of Recovery in which service users from all our services sailed around Britain in week long stages on a vintage sailing ketch. New horizons were opened for many of the participants and research has shown positive benefits including increased self esteem, motivation to remain drug free.

These and many other service firsts are clear examples of the way we have remained true to our underlying philosophy. Phoenix started out as a pioneering organisation and we continue to follow a path in which we have broadened the scope of our services by developing our own innovations in service delivery. We listen to our service users all the time and through learning from their experiences and from our own organisational knowledge we have been able to remain at the cutting edge of service delivery. We are what it says on the tin… ”Experts in Recovery for over 40 years”.

- Bob Campbell Special Projects

VALUE OUR HISTORY

Chris Barber Memorial 5-A-side On Monday 9th February, the Wirral residential hosted a memorial football tournament for Chris Barber, a graduate who was at the Wirral 2008/2009.

Chris tragically lost his life in October 2014. When we as a service decided to celebrate Chris’ life, the consensus of opinion was that it just had to involve the game he lived and breathed.

Chris was a fiercely proud Geordie and Newcastle United fan. Whilst Chris was in treatment he was an integral part of the service 5 a-side team, going on to play for a local abstinent based activities service called the Spider Project, who have coaches from Everton FC run their weekly training sessions and take players to tournaments nationwide. I myself played alongside Chris in these teams, his enthusiasm and joy of playing was infectious.

The turn out on the day was extremely moving. There were eight teams in total representing: Phoenix Wirral, North East Athletic (from Chris’ beloved Newcastle), a team from Hartlepool, the Spider Project from Birkenhead (with many ex-players from mine and Chris’ time returning to play) and two teams from Everton FC. Chris always had to be number 9, so as a mark of respect the Spider 9 shirt was retired, framed and presented to Lisa, Chris’ partner.

It was a very emotional day. I would like to thank all the lads from the North East who made the eight hour round trip to be part of the day, Everton FC, Mel Bowen from Spider, our own Di Hilton and of course all the lads who took the time to celebrate Chris’ love of the beautiful game.

The tournament was won, fittingly, by Hartlepool, taking the Chris Barber memorial cup back up North. They were presented with the trophy back at the Wirral as a plaque in Chris’ honour was unveiled.

A big thank you also goes to our amazing residents who hosted, supported, fed and entertained our guests in true Wirral style.

Plans are in motion to make this an annual event and I for one am keen to see the cup in the Wirral trophy cabinet next year!

Chris Barber…..Gone but never Forgotten.

- James Middleton Wirral Residential

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

Promoting LGBT Awareness at HMP Holloway

In November 2014 the Building Futures team HMP Holloway held a day focused around LGBT issues and awareness.

Andy Holmes from HMP Stafford visited the service to deliver a workshop on sexuality and LGBT issues. Eight service users joined the morning workshop where we talked about equality, sexual orientation, discriminatory language and stereotypes and their impact, and perceptions of people in the LGBT community.

During the workshop Q&A session the women had space to talk about some difficulties they had experienced both historically and currently.

The feedback from the workshop was fantastic, and it was clear that having a space to discuss some of these very relevant issues was welcome!

In the afternoon, we had a staff awareness workshop for the whole Building Futures team. We discussed difficulties faced by LGBT people in the population, and how gender, fame, and job title affect acceptance.

The main theme running through both workshops was the overwhelming need for people to address homophobic or discriminatory language when we hear it. Only then can we continue to effect the changes needed in our society. Andy likened it to a ripple created when a pebble is thrown into a pond; by addressing one instance of homophobia we can encourage others not to tolerate this behaviour, and they can encourage others and so on and so forth. We must question and be curious about people’s beliefs and their roots, and be honest about the impact a damming word or joke can have.

As a service we are committed to supporting all women at HMP Holloway; working towards equality, ending discrimination, and celebrating diversity. We hope that such events will help to raise awareness of issues faced by LGBT people and encourage people to take a stance against homophobia.

- Lauren Benham HMP Holloway

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

No Place Productions at HMP Garth In October last year on the Therapeutic Community at HMP Garth, a group of people from No Place Productions, a professional drama company, came on to the TC and asked members of the community if they would be interested in taking part in a play they wanted to put on for the community. I was very sceptical at first but I put my name down just thinking it was something different to do and to get off the wing three times a week.

But after the fist day I really enjoyed it and wanted to go back. The team was very easy to get on with and made us all feel welcome. After the first week I felt my confidence improving and was very surprised to find that I was acting and was pretty good at it!

There were six lads that took part in the play which took six weeks to put together. Not only was it a good play and everyone enjoyed it,, but we got a lot of feedback from the lads on the TC and staff.

I feel that doing this play really helped me to build my confidence and gain six new mates on the TC. The production team recently came in to see everyone who took part in the play to see how we all were getting on.

They said that they are thinking of coming again if they can get the backing. I hope they do as I would like to do it again given the opportunity.

I would encourage anyone to give it a go if the opportunity arises. You might find that you like it and learn something new about yourself. In the six weeks I spent with No Place Productions I had a great time learning something new and had a laugh doing it.

- Martin Hill Resident on HMP Garth TC

Voucher Collection at Phoenix Family Service Last year we had a heart-warming amount of Sainsbury’s vouchers sent to us at the family service from other services and individuals. Thanks to the amount collected we were able to order some lovely outdoor gardening resources.

This year we are collecting again and are saving for outdoor equipment including a brand new sand pit. Every voucher counts so any amount will be appreciated. Sainsbury’s vouchers are up for grabs until the 5th of May and all vouchers need to be with us for no later than the 25th of June. We really appreciate any help with our new project.

Please send vouchers to: Jenny Lyons, National Specialist Family Service 29-31 Collegiate Crescent Broomhall Sheffield S10 2BJ - Jenny Lyons Phoenix Family Service

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

Phoenix in Focus: Recovery in the Community For this month’s Phoenix in Focus I caught up with Sandra Sweeney to find out about her Big Lottery funded project, Recovery in the Community.

What is the Recovery in the Community project?

This is a lovely Foundation66 project, where I get to encourage people to get involved with activities that will improve their confidence, social wellbeing, life skills, mental and social health. With a view to prevent relapse, maintain recovery, become less isolated and become involved with community based projects.

How did the project come into fruition?

Initially the Big Lottery Fund application envisaged the project would be a peer mentoring programme, but once the grant was Sandra Sweeney - Projects Development Coordinator awarded we soon realised that some of the participants would benefit from the opportunity to explore other types of community activities they could become involved with. (Being a mentor is not always the right next stage for everybody who has achieved stability from drugs and/or alcohol.)

By working in a more flexible way we were able to develop strong relationships with a number of our participants.

What makes Recovery in the Community stand out?

The project is for people who are 18 years plus, have a history of drug and/or alcohol misuse and have achieved stability from their drugs and/or alcohol use. What is unique about this project is that is doesn’t matter how long ago the participants completed treatment or which service they used. We have been asked if participants have to come through Foundation66/Phoenix services, and it feels good to let them know that we can work with them regardless of which services they have used. There is also no time limit or cut off point for being a participant of the project.

We ask people to take responsibility for what they are able to get involved with. We think it is important that we do not recreate the framework of a treatment intervention service, so that participants can develop how they need to use services and facilities that do not offer the support of drugs/alcohol services.

What impact does the project have on the participants?

We offer the stepping stone to encourage people to continue/start living their lives without the chaos of drink and/or drugs.

It is fantastic to see the immediate self-satisfaction participants get from attending activities, finding that their contributions are appreciated, and that people will listen to their views.

For more information about getting involved with Recovery in the Community contact Sandra via email at sandra.sweeney@phoenix-futures.org.uk or via telephone on 0207 234 9780.

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

Families in Recovery at HMP Pentonville On Tuesday 10th February, Building Futures at HMP Pentonville delivered the first Families in Recovery group of 2015. The session was co-facilitated by Sophie Bell, Interventions Worker, and Josie Standbrook, Family Support Worker, over a morning in the back section of the Visits Hall; there are no social visits at this time so the space is quiet and private.

In advance of the group, a handful of prisoners had been security-cleared and each had invited in a close friend or family member to attend the group with them. On this occasion, we hosted three prisoners accompanied respectively by their mother, their partner and their brother.

After introductions and an ice breaker designed to get the pairs of participants connecting and interacting, we brainstormed all the reasons why people use drugs and alcohol. This exercise organically provides an insight into individual using habits and behaviours, whilst enlightening family members who may have little to no understanding of their loved ones’ motivations for using.

Following on from this introduction we carried out four exercises.

The first exercise involved using the ABC model, examining for each prisoner: the Activating events (or triggers) which inspire certain Beliefs (and thoughts), and the Consequences which follow, in terms of their substance misuse.

Following on from the ABC model, we looked at how positive self-talk can be used to quash unhelpful or limiting beliefs and thoughts, and came up with some alternative messages that could be used when triggered, potentially leading to a different outcome.

we examined different coping strategies that loved ones employ to deal with others’ substance misuse

In the third exercise we listed all the ways in which substance misuse has a social, financial, psychological and physical impact upon both the user and the people close to them, uncovering that a lot of the effects are the same for both.

Finally, we examined different coping strategies that loved ones employ to deal with others’ substance misuse, including enabling, controlling, emotional and withdrawing techniques. The family members were guided towards boundaried strategies, which help keep everyone safe. At the end of the group, each pair set a goal for their relationship, before they enjoyed a short period of social time together.

The feedback from the group is always extremely positive, and this session was no exception, with participants stating they found it “very helpful,” “all good” and “outstanding.”

- Josie Standbrook HMP Pentonville

BELEIVE IN BEING THE BEST

Going Green At Phoenix we are always trying to find new ways to minimise the potentially harmful effects our activities have on the environment We are Reducing, Reusing and Recycling – the 3 R’s of the environment – as much as possible. And when we cannot reduce further, we invest in Carbon Offsets to minimise our remaining footprint.

What are Carbon Offsets?

Carbon Offsets help compensate for the release of greenhouse gas in one place by eliminating them elsewhere in the world. In other words, to make up for the CO2 we create somewhere – because of travels, gas and electricity usage, couriers etc. – we are investing to reduce the CO2 elsewhere in the atmosphere, with the aim to achieve an overall carbon neutral impact.

What do we do at Phoenix?

In addition to symbolising the recovery of Phoenix graduates, our Phoenix Forest is offsetting much of our carbon emissions. Since 2011, we planted 6,984 trees, that will absorb more than 6000 tonnes of CO2 in their lifetime.

For every parcel we courier with UPS we are also investing in their Carbon Offset program, supporting projects all over the world such as methane gas destruction, forest conservation management or alternative energy, and ensuring the carbon neutral impact of our shipments.

Source: http://www.shrinkyourfoot.org - Facilities and Procurement

BELEIVE IN BEING THE BEST

Deputy Mayor of London visits KC Alcohol Support services Victoria Borwick, Deputy Mayor of London, visited our Kensington and Chelsea North Hub on 10th February.

Foundation66 run the KC North Hub in partnership with Blenheim, CNWL, Build on Belief, and RBKC Adult Social Care. The KC North Hub is open to people aged 18 or above who are living in Kensington and Chelsea and is a free and confidential service that accepts referrals from individuals, family members and friends experiencing problems with substance misuse.

David Fenn, Foundation66 Tri-borough Service Manager (right) with Victoria Borwick, Deput Mayor of London

During the Deputy Mayors visit she talked to staff and clients about the service and showed particular interest in the Blood Borne Virus Clinic, employment, and housing and health services available.

Brendan McGrath, Area Manager at Blenheim, said; “We are delighted that the Deputy Mayor showed such great interest in the service and the interests of our clients as a whole. KC North Hub aims to reduce the risks, harms and problems associated with drug use and to encourage people to find and sustain a recovery that enhances their quality of life.�

Health and Wellbeing Innovation at HMP Wymott The Phoenix Futures services at HMP Wymott, in partnership with the Greater Manchester West (GMW) Clinical Team, are currently developing a number of innovative projects to promote mental and physical wellbeing amongst their service users. Aidan Brierley, Senior Practitioner at HMP Wymott, is leading on the developments.

I made contact with the Prisons Phoenix Trust, and a local Yoga Instructor with the aim of developing yoga sessions for the Building Futures service users, to help them deal with their anxieties whilst in the early stages of recovery. This is something that has never been tried at HMP Wymott before, and things are now progressing quite quickly with the hope of securing funding to carry out the programme.

Building Futures, the Therapeutic Community and the GMW clinical team have all met and after discussion it has been agreed that the clinical team will begin to offer Well Man sessions for residents of the TC at HMP Wymott.

The Well Man sessions will focus on the physical wellbeing of our service users. Participants will take their weight and work out if they are over or under weight, and then be offered nutritional advice or exercise advice. Blood pressure checks will be included and referrals for further healthcare will be made if needed. We will also discuss any issues or concerns a service user may have around prostate issues or testicular cancer, and provide advice on smoking and smoking cessation where available.

- Aidan Brierley HMP Wymott