Newham Substance Use Complex Needs Panel (SUCNP)
The borough has established a multi-agency framework for managing the highest risk, change resistant substance users. At the heart of this process is the Substance Use Complex Needs Panel; a multi-agency way of supporting work around complex and / or high risk cases.
An intensive response cannot be offered to the vast number of substance users who are not engaging with services. Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice, and the offer of support services including opioid substitution treatment (OST) prescribing are a reasonable approach to a large swathe of these individuals. However, a small group of individuals with complex or multiple needs will require a more targeted approach and a holistic, wrap-around offer of support.
The purpose of the Substance Use Complex Needs Panel is to work in partnership with a group of multi-agency professionals; to manage, reduce, or eliminate risk of harm to (or from) these most vulnerable individuals. The Panel will adopt a person-centred, trauma informed and solution focused approach to supporting these individuals with the aim of improving their outcomes and identifying system barriers (e.g. gaps in services, pathway challenges)
Individuals supported by this Panel are likely to meet the following criteria:
- Problematic drug or alcohol use; poly-substance use; drug use with multiple complexities
- Severe and enduring mental health or physical health concerns
- A pattern of non-engagement with support services, or not benefiting from drug and alcohol treatment
- A burden on public services e.g. social care, emergency services, housing and homelessness agencies
- Other vulnerabilities such as being at risk or subject to neglect or abuse
Exceptions
If an individual is already engaged with another multi-agency group e.g. MARAC or MAPPA, DAPP they will not be taken on by the Substance Use Complex Needs Panel without a clear decision from the other group. The assumption will usually be that management will remain with the existing group supporting that individual.
The NHRP may be represented by senior representatives from:
- Newham Rise – Substance Misuse Service
- Adults Social Care
- Safeguarding Adults
- Local Authority Commissioners
- Mental health services
- Community Safety / ASB Team
- Homelessness and Housing services
- And other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors as and when required.
How to refer a case
To discuss a referral, please contact Newham Rise on newham.SUCNP@cgl.org.uk or phone the team on 0800 652 3879.
Members of the public and concerned professionals from other partner agencies may also raise an adult safeguarding concern in the first instance when they are concerned for the safety, health and wellbeing of any Newham resident.
Information on how to raise safeguarding concerns about adults can be found here.
