New Service Boosts Drug and Alcohol Support for Surrey's Homeless
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust launches initiative to provide accessible, non-judgemental help directly within the community for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
By Natalie Osborne
••3 min read
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Generic image of a community support service helping individuals in a public space.
A new dedicated service has been launched in Surrey this October, aiming to provide easier access to drug and alcohol support for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.
The Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has introduced its new Rough Sleeping Service, delivered through i-access, their specialist drug and alcohol service run in partnership with Via. This initiative seeks to bring vital support directly into the community, making it more accessible for those facing homelessness.
The service offers flexible, confidential, and timely support tailored to individual circumstances. Crucially, individuals do not need to be ready to cease drug or alcohol use to access help. Support is available to reduce usage, work towards recovery, or explore available treatment options.
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"We want to make it as easy as possible for people who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness to get the support they need. We recognise that everyone's circumstances are different. Our approach is about meeting people where they are, building trust and offering flexible support without judgement. Whether someone wants to reduce their drug or alcohol use, stop altogether, or simply talk through their options, we are here to help."
Dr Jack Bedeman, Director of Public Health for Surrey County Council, highlighted the critical need for such services, noting the disproportionately high levels of drug and alcohol dependence among rough sleepers. He stated that these services are a vital part of the local response, complementing government initiatives to provide accommodation and life-changing treatment and recovery support.
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"People sleeping rough experience some of the poorest health outcomes in our communities, including disproportionately high levels of drug and alcohol dependence. That is why Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment services are such an important part of our local response. The Government's winter rough sleeping programme rightly recognises the need for coordinated action. Alongside measures to support people into safe accommodation, access to high-quality treatment and recovery support can be life-changing, reducing harm, preventing avoidable deaths and helping people achieve lasting recovery. Our commitment is to work with housing, NHS and voluntary sector partners to ensure that people sleeping rough receive compassionate, person-centred support that addresses both immediate needs and the underlying causes of homelessness."
The service's approach involves working with local partners to reach individuals in comfortable community settings, rather than requiring them to attend traditional appointments. One-to-one support includes drug and alcohol treatment, opioid substitute prescribing where appropriate, recovery advice, needle exchange services, Hepatitis B vaccinations, Hepatitis C testing, support from Citizens Advice colleagues, and assistance with detox and longer-term recovery.
This launch underscores the Trust's commitment to enhancing the accessibility of drug and alcohol treatment, particularly for those experiencing homelessness who may face barriers to accessing conventional services.
Individuals can self-refer by calling 0300 222 5932 between Monday and Friday, 9am to 5pm, or by completing the self-referral form on the i-access website. Professionals can also make referrals with the individual's consent via the same website, selecting 'Rough Sleeping Service'.
