How we can help

Streetlevel offer a duty worker system, so everyone is seen by a worker on their first visit. After an assessment, they may be offered a worker or referred to a more appropriate agency.

We work alongside other services, such as housing departments, benefits agencies, Women’s Aid, probation, local prescribing services, social services, welfare rights and people on drug treatment and testing orders to name but a few.

In all case work undertaken, upon initial assessment or as soon after as is practical, service users will be issued with the appropriate project leaflet which will include a general statement of confidentiality. Absolute confidentiality is not realistic and Streetlevel staff will act upon information to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Support

We offer support on many different levels. You may need practical support, for example a worker may be able to accompany you to appointments with housing, social services etc. You may need someone to talk to, so your worker will take time to try to identify with you, what support you feel you may need.

HIV Service

Streetlevel has an HIV case manager, who assists people in South Tyneside living with HIV. This includes family members, partners, carers and anyone else concerned about HIV. Help may be given with grants and benefit applications and in accessing support from housing agencies, health services, social services and other voluntary organisations. If you are feeling stressed it can be helpful to talk about the difficulties you are experiencing. These can range from concerns about health or treatments to relationship problems, discrimination and the pressures of living with a ‘secret’. Emotional and practical support may help you to make decisions or new plans for the future.

Information

Whatever subject you need to know about, we can locate all the information you may need.

Complimentary therapies acupuncture and electronic stimulation therapy

We offer herbal sleep and detox tea and have experienced and qualified staff to carry out ear acupuncture and electronic stimulation therapy

Advocacy

Whatever your problem we can advocate on your behalf if you require it.

Women’s group

Our women’s group has been a great success; we go on a variety of outings and make a wide range of things. The group has access to sewing machines and lots of craft equipment. It’s a good place to come if you need a chat, and the women support each other in a group setting.

Advice

We advise clients on a range of subjects, such as housing issues, welfare rights, child protection issues, benefit enquiries. We also have a nurse to offer advice on vaccinations and health matters.

Medical issues

We can arrange for a nurse to visit you at Streetlevel. She can offer advice on medical issues surrounding drug usage and how to use safely. She gives the opportunity for any client to be tested for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, and if appropriate she can give you your vaccination against Hepatitis B, and more information on Hepatitis C for example where to go next or how to avoid it.

Alcohol Group

The alcohol group is called Back on Track and is run by volunteers.  It is held on a monday at 2pm -3.30 pm and also on a thursday at 11.30 am - 1.30 pm.

Internet Cafe

The internet cafe is also run by volunteers and is held on a friday at 1pm - 3pm.

Referrals

Helping clients to obtain funding for rehabilitation is a big part of what we do. We can also refer clients to other appropriate agencies for help with specialised issues.

Needle exchange

Clean equipment is available from our exchange; this service is based inside our building so the opening times are the same. However we are open late for the exchange only on a Wednesday evening until 6pm.

Safer sex

We offer a great choice of free condoms and lube along with sexual health advice and information.

One of the most effective ways we can help is to enable you to help yourself.