Early intervention and prevention services

This section gives information on education and prevention services available across Northern Ireland which address drug and alcohol issues or concerns. These services are available in a number of settings such as in schools, workplaces, community and youth centres and clubs with many providing free drug and/or alcohol focussed awareness-raising advice, materials, sessions or programmes.

Region: SEHSCT/SEDACT

The SEDACT Connections Service (hosted in South Eastern area by ASCERT) acts as the operational arm of the South Eastern Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team (SEDACT); assisting the Team to take forward its priority actions and to work with other stakeholder organisations and partnerships in the area to develop and deliver drug and/or alcohol related projects, events and initiatives. The Connections workers can be contacted by individuals or groups in the community who have concerns or queries in regards alcohol/ other drug initiatives and services. As well as supporting and developing local campaigns, the Connections service are a source of information and best practice and keep communities up to date on recent trends as well as developing responses to issues. SE Connections also makes links between the community and drug/alcohol sectors and other fields such as family support and mental health, and can signpost inidividuals to the relevant services when required.

Region: SHSCT/SDACT

Information, education and awareness services

Region: WHSCT/WDACT

Certified Professional Recovery Coach (CPRC)
As your coach, I will help:
- mentor and guide you in learning how to embark on a life without alcohol.
- feel supported by providing a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment to discuss your current challenges with alcohol.
- develop a recovery plan with realistic goals, help keep you accountable to it and continually reassess and make adjustments as you progress.
- work with you collaboratively to resolve barriers to change.
- be your guide/mentor in relation to coping mechanisms, moving through the cycle of change and developing new behaviour patterns.
- deal with relapse and work towards reducing the changes of it happening again.
- be your cheerleader helping you identify and celebrate the changes and progress made.
- guide you to other sources of help if required.

Coaching is person centred (you are the expert on you), forward focused and goal driven.
IMPORTANT - Coaching does not replace therapy or counselling. A recovery coach does not diagnose conditions or treat them. A Coach is not medically trained therefore cannot provide guidance in relation to detox or assistance to those who are physically dependent on alcohol.