Substance Misuse Support Service

The Substance Misuse Support Service assists people in Southampton who are living independently and facing chronic and long term addiction to drugs or alcohol, and who are at risk of ending up homeless without some support. The service works with them to ensure that they can stay in their home, while reducing the health, social, legal and economic difficulties associated with substance misuse.

The support we offer

Individuals will meet regularly with their support worker, either in their own home or in a café if they prefer. These meetings are an opportunity for them to talk through any issues or worries they might have, and receive some non-judgemental and empathic support.

Support workers can provide advice about health issues and substance misuse, help with budgeting and finances, and an opportunity to explore ways in which the person might move forwards and make positive lifestyle changes.

“My SMSS worker helped me sort out my bills and organise my finances” – Service User

How do service users access the service?

Referral is through The New Road Drugs and Alcohol Service.

How do referring agencies access the service?

Referring agencies need to complete a referral form and send it to the Substance Misuse Support Service. An appointment will then be arranged for two workers to visit the individual for an assessment.

For more information, please contact:

Beccy White
Telephone: 023 8063 4596

Kevin’s Story
Kevin is a 26 year old man that suffers from schizophrenia.  His symptoms include visual and auditory hallucinations and confused thinking. These symptoms were extremely troubling for Kevin and drinking alcohol seemed to be the only way of dulling the symptoms. As a result his addiction to alcohol became severe and Kevin found it increasingly difficult to maintain a home coming very close to becoming homeless.

Kevin was referred to SSJ’s Substance Misuse Support Service by New Road. Regular visits from his support workers, Mel and Sandy, helped Kevin to understand his schizophrenia and alcohol addiction further and now Kevin has started to visit his GP regularly and is receiving prescribed medication to manage his schizophrenia. As a result Kevin’s alcohol intake and likelihood of becoming homeless has reduced.

Kevin explains, “Mel and Sandy help to keep me together. The support I’ve received from this service is fantastic. They’re helping me to break cycles of behaviour I don’t want to go back to because they’re there for me, I now have a goal to aim for. I don’t want to let them down. They’ve helped me to take my responsibilities for my kids seriously.”