Case studies
Back to previous page‘Women and Drugs: Best Practice Report’, Rotherham
DAT(s): Rotherham.
Region(s): Yorkshire and Humberside.
Last updated: 04 February 2004
Summary: Best practice report on women and drugs commissioned by the DAT.
The need
Researchers and practitioners dealing with drug users have recognised that women have different needs to men. However, there has been little commitment to developing gender-appropriate services by commissioners and providers generally.
The idea
The idea was to conduct research into the needs of women in Rotherham. The findings from such research could then inform drug service strategy.
How it works
The DAT obtained three quotations from local research providers. From this mini-tendering process, they commissioned the School of Social Science and Law at Sheffield Hallam University to prepare a best practice report on women and drugs.
The three researchers from the University interviewed 21 women who were accessing drugs services. The interviewees were of different ages and backgrounds. The majority of the women were receiving treatment for heroin dependency.
The authors’ final report was:
- presented to the Rotherham Drug and Alcohol Joint Action Team (joint commissioning group);
- distributed to relevant partner agencies; and
- discussed at further sessions held at the Community Drug Team for interested parties.
The DAT funded the research from their Adult Pooled Treatment Budget.
Key Benefits
The report identified:
-
Existing good practice
For example, ‘work with one particular key worker and with the Occupational Therapist was reported extremely positively.’ -
Barriers to service uptake
The women identified child protection fears and shame as the two key barriers to accessing drugs services. -
How to improve services
For example, a holistic approach that is needs-led will enable services to treat this non-homogenous group. The report’s recommendations are given in the context of other research and Models of Care.
As a result of the report’s recommendations, there are now women only sessions at the Community Drug Team. The Community Drug Team are also looking into the possibility of having sessional nursery/crèche workers to assist at these times with clients who have young children.
Comments
Important documents addressing the needs of women include:
- National Treatment Agencies Models of Care for Substance Misuse Treatment, Department of Health, 2002; and
- Quality in Alcohol and Drug Services, Alcohol Concern and SCODA, 1999.
For further information
Rotherham Drug Strategy Team
Debbie Stovin
Treatment Services Planning Team Leader
Rotherham PCT
Bevan House
Oakwood Hall Drive
Moorgate Road
Rotherham Health Authority S60 3AQ
Tel: 01709 302 097 Email: debbie.stovin@rotherhampct.nhs.uk
