. . . to young people in crisis

When young people become caught up in drug, solvent or alcohol abuse, and want a way of escape, they need someone to turn to.
It has to be someone they can trust. Someone who can show them what support is available, without being judgemental, and help them find an achievable way forward.
Becky Lake, a specialist substance misuse social worker, gives young people up to the age of 19 the guidance they need to overcome their problems.
The day Hull in print visited Becky at work in her central Hull office, she had just received a phone call from a former client who had managed to put his past behind him to pursue a college course.
“I work with young people when they are at a crisis point in their lives,” says Becky.
“It’s my job to help them understand so they are able to make informed choices about their lives and show them what they can do to change for the better.
“When I receive calls from previous clients to be told how well they’re doing it’s just brilliant. That’s when I know I’m making a difference.”
Becky works for reFresh, an integrated health and social care team delivering prevention and treatment to children and young people under 19.
Young people approach reFresh for help in various ways. Some refer themselves after reading leaflets about the service in health centres, hostels and colleges. Other clients are referred by doctors, but some young people who are known offenders are referred by the Youth Offending Team.
“Trust and confidentiality are at the heart of my work and I offer young people one-to-one guidance and support”, adds Becky.
“Following an assessment of their needs we draw up a care plan together in which they set out their goals. Some young people want to stop using drugs completely, while others might want to reduce or stop using one particular substance, such as cannabis, if they are taking a combination of street drugs.

For more information about reFresh call 300300

“We also explore other issues affecting their lives such as education and training, homelessness, relationship break-ups, parenting and self harm.
“We take things one step at a time and devise coping strategies and solutions to the problems.”
Because of the young age of her clients, Becky uses a number of creative techniques to aid communication such as educational videos to prompt discussions, and art materials to enable young people to express themselves.
She also puts her clients in touch with a wide range of other health and support services across the city, such as The Warren, a resource centre for young people in Queen’s Gardens. She can also help them access specialist prescribing through the community nurse in the team.