Date Added: 05/06/2018
As a pseudonym I am going to call this client Michael. Michael was historically hard to reach had frequent non-attendance, exhibited threatening behaviours and was deemed to be a risk in groups. He had just been re housed and had suffered extended periods of homelessness. His case notes revealed tragedy bereavement and loss (spouse).
A habitual criminal and constant re offender with multiple public disorder charges and town centre exclusion orders, Michael did not paint a very good picture in the local community, however the man I met was fragile mentally, but I sensed a kindness and a warmth, he was I felt lost and had at last reached his jumping off point. He asked me to help and I assured him I would do all I could but required him to above all be vigorously honest with me and to stay in contact by any means.
He needed to engage with EDAS as fully as he could and listen to the suggestions, if a suggestion posed a problem, no problem, just let me know and I will do my best to accommodate. Michael made his way to see me in the blizzard of 1st March, talk about “Any lengths” the snow saw falling think and fast, but he was determined to keep his appointment. When he felt his old associates might lead him astray he adapted his hours and moved around using longer routes to avoid them to get here, I have listened to excuses and fabrication . . . . . But not ever from Michael.
When it has been difficult I have been with him, when it has been frightening I have been with him, when it has been happy I’ve been with him to and when it was time to leave for his Residential Detoxification he showed up (Phew) and I was with him, on arrival they asked me who I had brought, and I gave his name what a moment that was . It is a privilege to travel with this man part way on what promises to be an amazing journey.
With professional assistance from The Poole Assessment and Referral Team (SMART) I have managed a cathartic and therapeutic relationship that has resulted in consistent engagement leading to an admission to residential treatment this week.
The detoxification unit spoke to SMART yesterday to inform us that the client is doing very well and openly engaging, offering and accepting help from peers and staff respectively.
