Introduction to RAPt

What RAPt Does

RAPt works to help people with drug and alcohol dependence, both in prison and in

the community, overcome the grip of addiction and lead positive lives, free from

drugs and crime.

Overview of RAPt Programmes and Service Model

RAPt Services in PrisonClinical: medically assisted such as prescribing and detox

Psychosocial: talking intervention

Stepping Stones: medium intensity 4 weeks rolling programme

The Bridge Programme: 6 Weeks intensive F/T 12 step recovery programme for drug dependency

Substance Dependency Treatment Programme (SDTP): 16-21 week intensive F/T abstinence based 12 step offender behaviour programme

Alcohol Dependency Treatment Programme (ADTP): same as the The Bridge programme for Alcohol Dependency

Living Safely: workshops for clients engaging with RAPt

The Recovery Support Team

Supporting people in the transition from custody into the community

Available for all RAPt clients in the community regardless of how long

ago they accessed support, this includes advice and guidance,

Recovery support Network, accessing funding support.

Various roles available, People in Recovery encouraged to apply. Key

roles are Meet and Greet / Mentors - meeting people at the gate and

taking them on to their first appointments and continued support in

the community

Transitional work

Recovery Support

Volunteering

Transitional Mentoring

Transitional Mentoring Background

RAPt Meet and Greet service to support clients on the day of release

RAPT Research on Clients Release Needs published in April 2014 identified the need for further support to help client with their transition into the community

June 2014 RAPt developed the Transitional Mentoring Service

Aims and ObjectivesSupport all RAPt clients preparing for their return into the community and settle down in their local community

Reduce Re-offending upon release

Reduce relapse and sustain abstinence from non-prescribed medication

To support client settle down in the community (this may involve obtaining suitable accommodation)

Support clients link with appropriate support services in the community to address their ongoing support needs (such as substance misuse services, recovery support networks, ETE services)

From 6 weeks pre-release: support client prepare for their pending release

On the day of their release: support with attending appointments and housing issues (including support with dealing with housing options and advocacy to address NFA status

Up to 3 months following release: Link in to ongoing support services, ETE, housing

How does it work?Any RAPt clients can be referred to our Transitional service (including clients located in Prison RAPT are not delivering services in)

Client must be abstinent from mood altering substances including non-prescribed medication

Referral form and Risk assessment

Working in PartnershipSupport clients who live in area where we do not have Transitional Mentor

Enhance the service we provide by sharing volunteer and offering different expertise

Footprint in Hampshire (mentoring services) Share volunteers Clear communication and handovers A two way referral system

Housing providers and Rehabilitation Centers: Nehemiah, Kairos, Steps 2 Recovery, Kenward Trust

Our Main Challenges

Homelessness

Criminal Justice system:- Lack of clarity on release days - Unexpected release

Needs for more partnership working (Housing, Volunteers and Mentoring Services)

Obtain funding for Residential treatment

Lapse/relapse, NPS awareness

Successes and good practice

Communication with other agencies help supporting clients when things go wrong and avoid confusion for the client

Recognised Quality standards: - Mentoring and Befriending Award in July 2015- Investing in Volunteers Award since 2011

Housing partnerships means that we have been able to avoid clients being homeless on the day of their release

360 Degree Assessment:- Mentee Booklet- Feedback- Research

Integrated Support

New / Novel Psychoactive

Substances (NPS)

What is NPS?

New/Novel Psychoactive Substances is a generic term for the relatively recent up rise of substances produced to mimic

the effects of traditional illicit drugs.

NPS produces similar effects to illegal drugs such as Cocaine, Ecstasy and Cannabis. 

Other expressions to describe NPS, such as “legal highs”, are inaccurate and unhelpful as many NPS have now been

controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and therefore NPS can refer to both controlled and non controlled

substances.

Types of NPS

Smoking Mixtures = Plant Matter sprayed with a chemical compound designed to mimic the effects of THC (Cannabis). Each brand has a specific chemical compound. Some of the recognised brands in use within the prison setting include:

Spice

Mamba

Black Mamba

Exodus

Green Blast

Happy Joker

SyntheticCannabinoid

Pills

Vapour

Types of NPS Continued…

Vapours – Designed as Herbal oils are taken using a variety of equipment including; Pipes, Vaporisers and smoking cessation tools.

Each brand has a added active chemical compound designed to give a artificial feeling.

Effects of NPS

o Giggling

o Dilated Pupils / Glazed eyes

o Sleeping

o “Drugged / Drunk”

o Slurred Speech

o Increased Heart rate

o Aggression / Increased Violence

o Hypotension

o Seizures

o Hallucinations

o Paranoia

o Loss of memory

o Vomiting

o Chest Pain / Palpitations

o Loss of control

o Blurred vision

o Sweating

o Reduced levels of consciousness

o Respiratory Arrest

o Psychosis

o Paranoia

o Temporary paralysis

How We Support Clients?

This year (2015) RAPt have launched their own strategy as we have identified that NPS use and addiction is on the rise.

Ultimately, the purpose of this strategy is to reduce NPS use in the prisons and in the community and raise awareness of the dangers.

The following four goals can help us achieve this purpose:

• Get those addicted to NPS into treatment programmes and support providers. • Provide appropriate support for those using, but not addicted to• Educate RAPt staff and our partners about NPS and the potential side effects of using

different NPS and interventions / treatment options• Collect data about NPS to better inform our approach and keep up to date with emerging

NPS and patterns of use

Any Questions?

www.rapt.org.uk

www.blog.rapt.org.uk

Facebook.com/raptcharity

Twitter.com/raptcharity

Volunteering@rapt.org.uk