Professionals & Adults Working with Young People

Who are The Matthew Project Under 18 Suffolk?

We are the DAAT commissioned drug and alcohol service providing a range of targeted and specialist work with young people under 18 across Suffolk. The service comprises 3 multi-disciplinary teams based in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury but we can see young people wherever is appropriate at venues across the county - our team is made up of young people's substance misuse workers, a nurse (employed by Trust Alcohol and Drug Services) and a counsellor - there is also access to a consultant psychiatrist. We can also offer support to parents or carers concerned about the use of a young person.

What services do we offer?

Pro-active outreach targeted at vulnerable young people, advice, training and information for professionals, one to one support and brief interventions, support for young people affected by someone else's substance use, support for parents and carers including group sessions and a developing availability of informal education sessions from the Youth Team both in schools and outreach settings.

What does treatment for young people look like?

We conduct a comprehensive assessment which leads to the creation of a care plan written in partnership with the young person. There will then follow a series of 1:1 sessions with a worker, with the possibility of being referred to group work or counselling. Young people are also assessed in relation to the need for blood borne virus screening and vaccinations, and given information around sexual health. We can offer substitute prescribing in conjunction with the consultant psychiatrists clinic which can be accessed anywhere in the county according to need.

How do I make a referral?

Referrals are through the DUST screening tool which can be found on the DAAT website www.suffolkdaat.org.uk, via a CAF that has identified an unmet need in relation to our area of work, and over the telephone by contacting the Ipswich office (01473) 230299. Young people, families and carers can also make referrals by contacting the office.