How do you put into words a life which was chaotic and going downhill fast?
We all have our different opinions of rock bottom.
Mine was heroin, prison,
ex-boyfriend and the lengths I'd go for one hit. When I came here, I'd just
come from prison after doing six months on remand for drug offences.
I was
still in a relationship, my head was confused, I couldn't carry on using, it was time to face reality and grow up. I was fooling myself that things weren't
too
bad and I could cope, but realistically how bad did I need to get? Sarh aged 24
Stage 1 - Safety Net Duration - 2 weeks
This Stage enables residents to settle into the Community. Sleep patterns are stabilised and relationships with Staff and residents established.
Stage 2 - Induction Duration - 8 Weeks
This Stage enables residents to integrate themselves into the therapeutic programme. Residents attend seminar programmes, participate in individual key work
sessions, participate in groups and the work structure, and complete daily diary entries.
Stage 3 - The Work Duration - About 22 weeks
This Stage involves taking on increased responsibility. Residents participate in the full range of therapeutic activities. They are encouraged to explore
the past with the purpose of coming to terms with their own feelings, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour, and thus developing personal qualities, self-awareness, self-worth,
self-confidence and self-discipline.
Stage 4 - Preparing for the Future Duration - About 8 weeks
This Stage enables residents to plan and prepare for their future, start socialising outside the Community and go to voluntary work. During this stage, residents
are expected to act as role models and undergo auxiliary staff training. They attend specific workshops aimed at preparing them for moving out of the Ley, which includes
finance and budgeting, alcohol use and cross addiction, education, leisure, voluntary work and employment.
Stage 5- Re-entry Duration - About 12 weeks
At this stage, residents are expected to be in full time employment and living at the Ley but financially independent from it. Stage 5 residents attend a
group once a week and act as auxiliary staff.
Stage 6 - Aftercare Duration - Open ended
This Stage is an open ended period, offering support to residents who have completed the programme and remain living in the Oxford area. Ley staff run a weekly
group for Stage 6 ex-residents at a venue in Oxford City.
