First Stop Darlington 

First Stop Darlington offers a relaxed and friendly café style drop-in centre providing information, advice, and guidance on all kinds of issues including housing, health and welfare. 

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We provide laundry facilities and a shower, support and assistance filling in forms, advice on employment and training, advice on benefits and money difficulties.  We operate a counselling service for relation ship problems, sexual health, drug or alcohol issues. 

What can be done within the project?  We will help you find the relevant service or bring the service to you. 

First Stop Darlington also has a Client/User Involvement worker who is based within First Stop Darlington. This act’s as a vocal point for client involvement for services relating to drugs and/or alcohol in Darlington.  The service enables the clients to be involved in the planning, monitoring, reviewing and implementation of the drugs and alcohol services throughout Darlington. 

The Family Support Network is also based at First Stop Darlington.  It is a new service that aims to support those people who have to cope with a family member who is addicted to either drugs or alcohol.  The Family Support Worker, Kathy, can be contacted on (01325) 254898.  The Support Network Helpline is (01325) 247166. 

We deal with a wide range of subjects in a non-conventional manner.

Some Questions about First Stop Darlington 

I’m mot sure what I need

Don’t worry.  You will be offered a chance to talk about your concerns or issues with a Project Worker who will listen carefully to what your say and give you advice on what to do about your issue.  

Are there any services provided by other agencies? 

Yes.  There are other agencies that come into First Stop Darlington to provide the clients that little extra helping hand.  The agencies are: 

Citizens Advice Bureau provides advice on benefits and debt for people aged 16+ as well as information on a wide range of other issues.  The Citizens Advice Bureau are in First Stop Darlington Monday mornings by appointment and Tuesday mornings by drop in session. 

Bond Scheme – This is a registered charity helping people who cannot afford the usual first months rent or bond, move into private rented accommodation.  The scheme stands as a guarantor, underwriting the landlords costs to an agreed limit.  Available with-in First Stop Darlington on Tuesday 11am – 3pm. 

Harm Minimisation who offer services aimed at reducing the risks of continued drug using, e.g. advice on safer injecting techniques, needle exchange services, information about HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and safer sexual health.  This is available at First Stop Darlington every Thursday from 1.30pm – 3.30pm. 

Sexual Health Advice.  Any young person with concerns regarding their sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy or are in need of emergency contraception.  Available every Friday morning 10.0am – 12.00pm 

Do I have to pay?

You can access all of our services for free.  However if you wish to do laundry more than once a week then there is a small charge of 50p per extra wash. 

Is the service confidential? 

Yes it is?  Information you give will not normally be disclosed outside the agency to anyone.  Occasionally we may need to breach confidentiality.  A project worker will advise you of the circumstances where this may arise.  An example would be where there is a serious risk to your own, or someone else’s life.  Whenever possible, a breach of confidentiality would be discussed with you before any action is taken.

Can I volunteer? 

Provided you are not a current client or have not used the service for over a year you can become a volunteer at First Stop Darlington.  No experience is required as full training is offered.

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Darlington Drugs & Alcohol Action Team  © 2004