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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These questions and answers have been compiled by residents and staff (2008). We hope the information is useful.
What practical things do I need to know?
Day visits: prospective residents are offered a day visit. This offers an opportunity to talk with people and get a better understanding of the programme at LHTC. Making an informed choice is important and a day visit can help people get a better feel for the community and what is offered at LHTC. There are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and coming for a day visit helps people take an active role in their own recovery. Those who come for a day visit often say it is helpful as they usually recognise one or two people when they are admitted to LHTC.
Programme length: most people are in treatment for 6-12 months. Length of stay is based on individual need and funding.
Smoking: there is a resident smoking room. Staff cannot smoke on the premises. Staff and residents can smoke outside.
Money: benefits contribute to funding a place at LHTC (other than a small personal allowance). Residents must declare any debts or fines before coming to LHTC. The personal allowance may be reduced if a resident has an outstanding loan or debts. Residents with financial problems can make an appointment (through the administrator at LHTC) with staff from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Mobile phones: not allowed at LHTC.
Rooms: everyone shares a room (there are no single rooms at LHTC). Sharing rooms offers residents opportunities to give and receive support (e.g. it reduces the possibility for people to feel isolated). Staff allocate rooms and you may have to move rooms during your stay at LHTC.
Exercise: there is a gym at LHTC and residents can also go (weekly) to the local sports centre (e.g. to play badminton or swim). There are organised weekly walks (with Adult College staff) and residents can also walk in the grounds of LHTC (within set boundaries at appropriate structured times).
Health: all new residents register with a GP (in Lancaster) and have an initial appointment to assess their health needs. The GP will follow up any resident with specific treatment needs. Any resident can request a dentist appointment and will be offered one as soon as possible by the local surgery (Lancaster).
What should I bring with me?
Bring things that will help you settle in and feel comfortable.
If possible bring some clothes you are happy to work in and if possible a waterproof jacket plus shoes or boots for walking.
You can bring things like TV's or a radio (for use in your shared room).
You do not have to bring any bedding (sheets etc) but you do need to bring your own towels.
What does treatment involve?
Key worker: every resident is allocated a key worker before they arrive at LHTC. Residents do not choose their key worker. Male key workers work with male residents and female key workers with female residents. Change of key worker is possible (dependent on circumstances) BUT very rare.
Peers: there is no hierarchy at LHTC. All residents are equal although responsibilities increase as people progress through treatment.
Progress through the structure: is determined by staff and peers who offer support and assess whether they believe a resident is ready to move on the next stage. 'Privileges' are not part of the structure at LHTC.
Rules: staying safe and contributing to other people staying safe is crucial when in treatment. LHTC does have rules (please see brochure for further details).
Confidentiality: in general it is important people do not gossip about peers (either in the house or with people outside). It is ok to seek support (from staff and peers) but not to talk about other people and their treatment.
Groups: you will participate in groups from the beginning of your treatment (e.g. community group). However, involvement in groups increases over time as you access different parts of the programme. Staff tailor individual group attendance to meet the needs of each resident.
Education: Adult College staff provide on-site courses (e.g. maths, IT, Creative Writing). Options for new courses can be discussed (e.g. if residents feel a specific course would benefit them). Residents can also access off site courses (at later stages of treatment). Any specific learning needs will be assessed and individual needs catered for.
Work: all residents contribute to the running of the house. Everyone is expected to take part in work tasks (e.g. cooking). Residents are allocated to Departments and work with peers to ensure all work associated with their department is completed to a good standard.
Women: staff recognise women have specific needs and LHTC has a structured programme that offers opportunities to address particular issues (please see brochure for further details).
Completing treatment: people often want to know how 'successful' treatment is and, in particular, how many people complete treatment. What counts as 'success' varies as people have different ideas about what they believe is success for them. Please see the annual report for further information about how many people complete treatment.
Aftercare: people leaving LHTC can access support from Aftercare Staff (please see brochure for further details).
What about contact with family and friends?
Residents cannot have visits for the first 2 weeks. Everyone is then eligible for fortnightly visits (on Saturday or Sunday).
Residents cannot have phone contact for the first fortnight. Everyone is then eligible for 2 x 10 minute phone calls per week. If you have children you can have 2 x 10 minute calls from week 1 onwards. Phone calls are not recorded but they are monitored by a peer.
You can send and receive mail from the time you are admitted to LHTC. All incoming and outgoing mail is screened by staff.
There is an annual Christmas Open Day, which gives residents a chance to organise a special day for family and friends. Everyone can also make one phone call on Christmas day.
There are some conditions attached to contact with family and friends (please see brochure for further details).
What is distinctive about LHTC?
Opinions vary but residents and staff believe:
LHTC is ideally located for people to focus on treatment (rural setting with access to local city)
People (residents, staff, students and volunteers) work together (e.g. residents are encouraged and supported to take responsibility for running the house with support and guidance from staff)
Rules of the house are enforced by residents and staff (people are encouraged to develop and sustain positive boundaries and exert self control)
LHTC offers a strengths based (e.g. focusing on what people can do and encouraging people to use and extend existing skills), empowering approach (e.g. motivating people to take responsibility for their own treatment)
Residents are offered a wide range of therapeutic (counselling and group therapy) and educational opportunities
LHTC offers a comprehensive women specific treatment package
LHTC positively supports people with primary alcohol misuse
Ex-residents are encouraged to come back to the house.
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