Page 24 - MELD Stimulant service

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12 FOCUS GROUP SUMMARY

At the last session, participants were asked to report on specifics of appointments ie
the time of sessions allocated and the location (Midlothian or East Lothian). This scale
was simplified to reflect a low level (1 – Not very satisfied) and a high level (5 – Very
satisfied). All participants reported that they were satisfied with appointment times.
17 individuals reported that they were very satisfied with locations. The remaining
participant travelled from Dunbar to Musselburgh each week. Although she was given
travel expenses to attend and expressed she was happy to travel, she highlighted that
it would be beneficial to be able to access treatments in her own locality.

Focus Group A – Experiences and barriers for
females engaging in recovery services

Summary: Six participants attended the session and were asked to
describe any experiences of previous and current engagement in drug
and/or alcohol services. Individuals described how their lives had changed
as a result of using substances. Some participants felt that society judged
women more than men, which was a barrier in seeking help, particularly if
they were parents. This also led to becoming isolated due to the belief that
family and friends would be judgemental and unsupportive. There was also
a fear of social work involvement or being identified by people within their
communities entering a well-known drug and alcohol building. Some of the
participants had experienced past trauma which was a main factor in not
being able to maintain abstinence from stimulant drugs as they felt it could
be difficult to get support with these issues due to waiting lists. There was
also significant issues of childcare or work commitment which could make it
difficult to access support in day time hours.

Female participants voiced that the following factors would help to
reduce barriers:
1. Continue to offer complementary therapies to help support well-being
as felt that this intervention was either enough on its own or worked
well alongside other types of support including psychosocial.
2. Provide services in local community settings.

3. Continue to offer flexible appointments in the evening as felt more
comfortable attending appointments when the streets/buildings were
quieter. This would result in a reduced possibility of being recognised
or identified going into a well-known drug and alcohol building.
4. Advertise MELD services in more ‘normal’ places to break down stigma.

5. Offer more choice of interventions including well-being courses.