Is there a free in patient rehab for young women anywhere in the UK?

Posted by libesumbrush@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 57 comments

Currently trying to find help for a really vulnerable young woman in imminent danger. She has asked to go to Rehab but there is nothing being made available to her. She's engaged with local services who don't seem to be able to help, would anyone have any ideas around this, either a free place or somewhere that could help with rehab fees? It's such a desperate situation.

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InternationalNinja29@reddit

There are very few NHS funded places in private rehab centres and they are difficult to get. For private rehab you're looking at £15-20k for a 30 day stay in most of them.

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InternationalNinja29@reddit

Just to add, the best bet to call the rehab centres and discuss with them as they'll know of any support available for funding.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

I had a really unhelpful conversation with the cheapest place I could find at 8 grand for a 28 day program. It's so disheartening, her Mother was told by services that they couldn't intervene until she asked for help and now that she has there is nothing available for her. She's engaged with local services for years but her issues have only intensified. It's absolutely devastating to see someone asking for help and all the services around her basically shrugging their shoulders and saying to ring emergency services if she's in danger. Which has been done, she tried to engage with the mental health team after a very serious accidental overdose recently , who offered zero help. She'd benefit so much ,at this time, while she's asking for help, it's absolutely heartbreaking to be hitting brick walls every we look.

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shemzyshoo@reddit

This is heart-wrenching. It takes a lot to ask for help, especially in this instance. To be turned away, I can only imagine would bring about feelings that make you want to change your mind. Can I ask in what way she is a danger? To herself? Maybe reach out to the crisis team. I know a section might sound like a terrible option, but she would get the help and medication needed to detox. Its disgusting to even have to suggest that, but thats the state of the country, sadly. I hope she gets the help she so desperately needs and deserves. Keep your chin up.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

It's incredibly difficult to get someone sectioned, her Mum tried, to just keep her safe but even this is a long process. It's good that you can't arbitrarily get someone sectioned, especially with the history of "difficult " women being locked up but the downside being ,when someone would benefit from the safety of it ,its not easy to get them sectioned. She's in danger of accidental overdose, suicide ( 3 attempts and 3 accidental so far) and physical and sexual violence from her peer group, shes been violently assaulted on a number of occasions, shes a tiny slip of a thing. She's drifting into hard drugs. She needs appropriate therapeutic support.

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shemzyshoo@reddit

I think that maybe depends on where you are in the UK, unfortunately. Though i am surprised they've not helped when she is actively making attempts. I know several people who have been sectioned for their own safety. One more than once. Admittedly, there were numerous calls placed before they'd come out and assess that person, but we got there in the end. My advice now then would be to call the community mental health team. They can send someone out to see her, and they can involve the crisis team. It's important that you don't give up. Keep calling them, and keep calling the crisis team. You will get the help eventually. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.

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LowarnFox@reddit

Would women's aid help her? Not with rehab but with at least providing a safe place to stay where she hopefully wouldn't be in danger? I don't know if they would but it could be worth a try?

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InternationalNinja29@reddit

Sorry to hear about that. Most of the local services are massively underfunded so they are very limited in what they can offer and have to be selective which is incredibly frustrating. I've been in a similar position trying to help someone else who wanted help and remember getting pissed off at the psych team at the hospital just being able to give a leaflet with some phone numbers on it. I found all this did was reinforce their view that it was pointless as while they wanted to make a change they knew they couldn't do it on their own. In the end I managed to scrape together the money with a loan and some savings to pay for a month stay at a centre run by https://www.ukat.co.uk/ for them - I would say that £8k for 30 days seems very cheap so definitely check them if you do end up managing to get a place. That stay combined with therapy and going to NA/AA when leaving has changed their life.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

It was such a break through for her to finally ask for help, the first wee bit of hope in a desperate situation, there isn't money available to get her the help she needs, I found the place I mentioned through ukat in the hope there might be a way to either access funding or put in place a payment plan, but to no avail. Which is why I came here to ask but thank-you for taking the time to reply.

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shemzyshoo@reddit

That figure makes me sick. Those poor souls have next to no hope.

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InternationalNinja29@reddit

It is high, you can do it for less without a private room but it's still £8-10k, but remember you're paying for 30 days of accommodation, food, daily private and group therapy, the meds to manage withdrawal, etc.

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Few_Reward_7593@reddit

If she is in imminent danger than this is a police matter not a council matter. We don't have in patent rehabs in the UK. You can be treated at a hospital or trust for any immediate ill health affects but nothing long term.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

This has been done, she is receiving welfare checks regularly, this doesn't remove her from danger or support her in trying to find a place and support for recovery. I was hoping there might be a charitable orginisation that might help, but it seems not.

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Few_Reward_7593@reddit

There are charitable organisations that help with addictions, but its 100% counselling. No funding or grants are given and the NHS do not support rehabilitation centres. With her being on benefits, she will get housing, free prescriptions and access to free drug, alcohol and mental awareness advice and counselling. Unfortunately 70% of it is counselling and 30% is stiffing you with alternative drugs or SSRI's. Its not a great system and it does take a lot of effort from the person and their support networks to keep clean. I wish her luck in her journey to recovery.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

It's so frustrating, she's at a junction that could see her turn her life around and there's nothing available for her.

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LaughingAtSalads@reddit

Have you approached any church-based charities or women’s refuge charities? There are some (often under the radar) and it’s worth looking.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

Her mum is contacting a faith-based organisation, but it's an absolute last resort. I'll try the women's refuges next. She's in very real danger of sexual exploitation. She's already been assaulted on numerous occasions. it's just heartbreaking

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LaughingAtSalads@reddit

I would trust Anglican nuns in a heartbeat. The Methodies, the URC, the Quakers, too. Look for IDAS Safe Havens, and local groups like My Sister’s Place (Middlesborough). If she has a roof she can attend rehab.

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connectfourvsrisk@reddit

It’s years ago now but a young woman I knew moved into accommodation run by Anglican nuns when she was in recovery. It was simple but safe. I wish there was more safe accommodation for young people.

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popsiwinkle@reddit

I work for one of those organisations, and we do have access to both detox and rehab for our clients. They're council funded, so they are limited but certainly are available. Drug services are far more than counselling, in fact, we dont even offer counselling as our workers deliver trauma informed evidence based psycho social interventions that work with the person on their goals. We'll support them to get counselling, but its often not effective on its own for substance use problems. We offer group and individual work, SMART Recovery, family and carer support, and so much more. This is pretty much standard practice for third sectors substance use organisations. OP, its worth a try if you haven't already to try to get her support from her local service. There's likely to be nhs versions and open access services run by the third sector.

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OpeningConsequence65@reddit

I was at my wits end with my mum. Phoned everyone I could think of and was offered a residential place across the country. Best thing that ever happened, she's 13 years sober after a good 30 years of addiction & mental health issues not related. This was after being written off by her mental health team and being homeless. Literally no one would help, I was practically begging people. Then I got a phone call offering her a place which a chaperone escort there (a good 4 hour train ride, I was so scared she wouldn't make it when she left). You might have to phone around individual places, and tell her story. If they can't help ask if they know anyone who can. Best of luck.

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OfficalSwanPrincess@reddit

Thanks for sharing your story, it's really important to hear them to give those people wondering that seed of hope. I'm really glad your mum is doing much better now.

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OpeningConsequence65@reddit

That's kind of you to say. Yes, life is very different for all of us now!

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

I'll start ringing round, this gives me a wee bit of hope that there might be an organisation that will step in.

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OpeningConsequence65@reddit

Yeah, I think there might be a random chance if you take that approach. The disease is definitely genetic in my family. My mum and sister found AA helpful. I found SMART recovery helpful. They do a women's only group that she could attend online if she emails ahead for the link. It's Thursday PM, very supportive, non judgmental and backed by science & and the NHS. Might help to keep her momentum going while she's waiting for other news.

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Tiger-Bumbay@reddit

Google ‘x council drug and alcohol services’ and it should come up. Otherwise ring council and ask about services

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shutupspanish@reddit

The Amy Winehouse Foundation does something similar although I would expect they have a waiting list, but they may have an idea of where else she can turn if so.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

Thank you . I'll have a look.

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natpoa@reddit

> We don't have in patent rehabs in the UK unless its full private and that like 10k a month. Yes, we do. In my current city, I know of two fairly close to the city centre; another two slightly outside the city, but certainly within the greater area; and another three within an hour's drive. All are free at the point of use, and funded by local authorities. I'll quote your following comment here for ease: > No funding or grants are given and the NHS do not support rehabilitation centres. Funding is commonplace for residential rehabs in the UK (of which there are many), and while most places are funded by organisations that take money from both the Government and the NHS, some places are directly funded by the NHS and referrals are made less as a matter of 'social need' and in purely medical terms.

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Jimmyj84@reddit

Not truth We do have few patient rehabs in the UK. Used to some bank shifts in one.

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Tiger-Bumbay@reddit

This isn’t entirely accurate, there are limited spaces for council funded inpatient rehab, that are given out by local drug and alcohol services on their discretion. I’d direct her to the local services (just google it) and they can help, and get social services involved with needs like housing/finances/food etc. Imminent danger needs police

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ReynartTheFox@reddit

If they are at all in Cornwall they could speak with these people - very good people and passionate about what they do. Drug and Alcohol Support in Cornwall | WithYou https://share.google/6Nlf4M6jKJahiNnAN Failing that, they might be able to advise if orgs in your friends area?

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chocolatpetitpois@reddit

Where in the UK are you? I work in a drug & alcohol service in Scotland and there are some pots of money available for residential rehab. Usually people need to have been engaging with a third sector partner (CGL, Lifeline, Phoenix Futures, Addaction, Arrows, ADA are some of the Scottish ones, it will depend where the person is), and that service can put people forwards for rehab. Some rehabs expect abstinence or significant reduction before admission, some can do that during admission.

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Jimmyj84@reddit

Is she in the west midlands?

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

No down south but we'd get her to anywhere that could help her.

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ScottishJoeExotic@reddit

Addictions worker here. I'm based in Scotland and I'm not sure about regional variations in care but hopefully something will be helpful. Where I am there are very few funded rehab placements, to get one you need to have engaged with other recovery services and basically prove that it's not working for you in the long term then hope you get funding BUT to make it even more fun you need to be abstinent before entering. It may be worth looking to see if there is something like a stabilisation service near you - where I am there is a service where you can enter on a 6 week basis and like it says on the tin it helps you get stabalsed and off everything and then you can take things from there, but entry isn't immediate and is subject to assessment. Are there any dedicated recovery services near you that she's not already engaged in? As this may be an option particularly as they may be able to signpost/refer to any other services who could help with her situation. Addictions never come on their own and while I can't speak for every service ours will refer/signpost wherever possible for whatever else is going on. If she does get into rehab, she will likely need ongoing support from a recovery service afterwards - I have seen a lot of people come out of rehab and relapse days later. You can refer in while she is still in rehab so she has the immediate support afterwards. I truly hope you find a solution that works for her. ❤️

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Torrential-Villa15@reddit

Contact Betel UK

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Torrential-Villa15@reddit

My brother attended one of their residential rehabs 6 years ago now and is currently drug free, employed and in a stable, healthy relationship with a really lovely woman. I’m unsure what the stipulations are but when my brother stayed it was free. He lived in Scotland for 20 months, working for their business and learning a trade (landscaping). We visited once a month and could speak to him on the phone once a week. Describing it now it sounds prison like but it worked tenfold for him, won’t be for everyone but definitely an avenue worth looking down.

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lunaj1999@reddit

I believe she needs to try engaging in first line treatment before being eligible for rehab. If she can’t advocate for herself properly, can you go along to her GP appointments? Get everything in writing etc, a lot of vulnerable people don’t get the services they require because they don’t have the vocabulary to make local services give a shit about them.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

Her problem is prescribed drugs though she's started into hard drugs as well recently, so methadone isn't the way for her. We've given everything over to her social worker who,although sympathetic, has offered no help beyond also instigating welfare checks.

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Nearby_Impact6708@reddit

If she's using heroin then try and keep an eye out for places that offer buvidal - it's far better than methadone in getting people sober however it's well it's an event. They won't be able to use even if they want to and that can be unpleasant if they aren't ready for it, but most people tend to do really well on buvidal. I think it's only in Wales at the moment and maybe a few places in England but I'd really recommend buvidal if you can support her with that. I'm in recovery myself and so are a lot of my friends. The good news is that most people don't actually find rehab that helpful and nor is it necessary for a lot of people. I think people can get hung up on rehab and think they go there and it'll solve their problems but aftercare is a real big issue. I'd try and encourage her to engage with local peer led support services and places like NA (narcotics anonymous) or CA (cocaine anonymous, but they accept all addictions). If she goes to those places she will be able to meet people who have been in her situation and got themselves sorted. She'll also be able to learn things they did and hopefully make her realise that it's not the end of the world if she doesn't get into rehab. There's a strong argument to be made that people who recover in the community do better because they're not only stopping using, they're also learning to manage their life as they do and getting support. A lot of people come out of rehab and find it completely overwhelming and relapse. Don't get me wrong rehab can be amazing but if the person isn't 1000% committed then there's 0 guarantee it will work / help and people can feel really disheartened if they relapse after, despite it actually being quite common

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Major-Bookkeeper8974@reddit

Hi Safeguarding Specialist here. You've mentioned a few things in your post and subsequent comments so let's address them as best as I can. You mention an undiagnosed Autism, as well as Drug use (accidental overdose recently) etc. I would suggest this makes your friend 'vulnerable' by legal definitions set out by Section 42 of the Care Act. This means you have a direct route into Adult Social Care support. You can get this, and refer directly in as a member of the public by googling "Safeguarding" alongside the local authority. It'll tell you the referral method on their website (usually a phone number). In terms of substance misuse, most areas of the country will have a local referral service for that. GP might be able to signpost, but if you get ASC involved, they should be able to signpost too. You mentioned risk of sexual exploitation. Depending upon individual circumstances that might open up a couple of avenues of support - Domestic Violence services if the perpetrator has a "personal connection", or if not, is this a Modern Slavery issue? ASC if you get them involved can do direct referrals for those. If there is a high risk domestic abuse issue it may open your friend up to high risk domestic abuse services such as MARAC... If not and more modern Slavery then you can also Google Modern Slavery support services in your area, and there is a national modern Slavery helpline that can be googled too. Lastly, with the vulnerabilities mentioned, inevitably I imagine there are some MH concerns... Does your area have a local Mental Health support service? In my area for example we have a mental health urgent assessment centre ran by the mental health trust, kind of like an A&E for mental health issues... I would Google MH trust in your area and see what support is in place. At the very least there should be a community crisis team that if referred into will make contact the same day. I'm sorry I can't be a more direct help, but these are at least some avenues to explore. I know you say your friend has engaged with services for years, but even if she has say an active social worker involved at the moment, refer in via the local authority with a Safeguarding concern. Whilst Safeguarding will sit under ASC services, it will be a specialist team separate from the actual social worker your friend has assigned, and they can look into the case for support/assurance. Good luck.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

Thank you so much for this. Her social worker has tried to contact the rapid response team to no avail ( I've no words for this, just utter shock) It's really useful to know the acts and laws involved in this, we'll pursue the vulnerable adult route on Monday, nothing is happening on a Friday afternoon, her mother is currently trying to put things in place to keep her safe at the weekend. She has been assessed as developmentally delayed, which would put her mental age at under 18 , would this be an avenue to pursue? The fear is future sexual exploitation rather than current, she's so ridiculously vulnerable.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

Thank you so much for this, we'll make approaches around this on Monday.

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dupersuperduper@reddit

This is really sad and I’m sorry she’s in such a bad situation. Unfortunately these aren’t usually available on the nhs. And actually there isn’t very good evidence for the residential rehabs as people tend to relapse when they come out. I wonder if something like paying for a carer type person to visit a few times a week might be an option ? Or sometimes people go abroad but obviously that has its own risks to be aware of. There might be some Facebook groups for addiction recovery that you could try asking on. Fb is often better for these sorts of questions than Reddit

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

The hope was to get her into rehab and then away from her current situation to a volunteering opportunity her mother found, we both really feel that she just needs a break in the cycle she's caught in She's currently in supported living, but it's woefully inadequate. They don't/can't keep her safe, its not an environment she can heal in. And yes, it is terribly sad.

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dupersuperduper@reddit

Yes I really wish there was more support for these people, and often it’s been an issue through their whole life so they are set up for failure. Well done for trying to help her but also be careful not to take on too much and get overwhelmed yourself, good luck!

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

In some ways, she's very lucky to have good support from her mother . She's really ended up the way she is because of undiagnosed Autism/adhd and turned to drugs to self medicate. I'm living in a different country from her, so I'm pretty much insulated from it. I'm just trying to help from here.

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dupersuperduper@reddit

That is lucky , I’m glad she has her mums support , and yours, and I really hope things turn around for her

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

Thanks, shes a really lovely young woman , I hope so too.

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coconut_mall_cop@reddit

You could try CGL, I know people who've had rehab funded through them

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

Unfortunately she's been with CGL for a good few years which has ended up being a hindrance as she's seen as engaging with them ,so ineligible for intervention from mental health services, we'll approach them to see if they can help, but again we're probably going to hit with a long waiting list.

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teadazed@reddit

Have you looked into the Nelson Trust?

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

No, I'll look now

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namegame62@reddit

A quick Google search reveals a charity named [Phoenix Futures](https://www.phoenix-futures.org.uk/) which offers some female-focused residential rehab services, but I have no idea what their funding model or availability would be like. Still worth a ring to ask? I know the [Amy Winehouse Foundation](https://amywinehousefoundation.org/what-we-do/amys-place-recovery-housing-for-young-women/) offers recovery housing - essentially a halfway house - specifically for young women who are leaving drug and alcohol treatment services. But that seems like one step down the road beyond what you're after, as they take women who are already detoxed/early stage sober. I've no idea if they would be able to give you information on the names, etc. of inpatient rehab facilities that the women they cater for generally come out of prior.

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libesumbrush@reddit (OP)

I've looked at Phoenix futures and there is an orgnisation that takes nhs referrals, we're trying to contact them, but what we're up against is going to be waiting lists, she's so vulnerable, she hasn't the time to wait, she needs help now, I'm wondering if we're going down the wrong route with rehab, maybe we'd be better to see if she could get help in a residential mental health unit, though this route is probably blocked because she has substance abuse issues.

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