Question 1

How do I get support for someone I know/myself?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can get in touch with us to make a referral. This could be a parent, carer or professional or you. 
If you want to refer yourself or someone you know, you can do this by going to our contact us page to chat with a member of the team in the most accessible way for you.

Question 2

What happens when I get referred?

Accepted Answer

We will contact you, or the person referring you and arrange to come and meet, in a place you feel comfortable.

Question 3

What happens if I change my mind?

Accepted Answer

Just let us, or the person who referred you know. Our support is totally voluntary. We understand that people change their minds. You are always welcome to come back.

Question 4

Will you tell other people what I have said?

Accepted Answer

We offer a confidential service. Confidentiality means us not telling anyone else about the things you tell us, we will talk to you about who you are comfortable with us talking to. Sometimes your parents, carers or teachers may be aware that you have been referred to us, particularly if you chose to see us at your school or home, this does not mean we will tell them everything that you tell us, we will discuss this with you and agree what information YOU feel comfortable sharing.

If there’s a risk of very serious harm to you, or someone else, we may need to share some of what you have told us, we will try and talk to you and let you know what might happen next.

Question 5

Will you tell me to stop using drugs/alcohol?

Accepted Answer

No we understand this is your choice and people use substances for a variety of reasons. We are not here to judge you, or tell you what to do, we will support you to decide what you want from the support.

Question 6

Do you have to tell my parents that I am working with you?

Accepted Answer

If you are over 13 and we feel you understand what it means to get support from us, we do not need to tell your parents that we are supporting you. If you are under 13, we do need to get consent from your parent or carer to be able to offer you support. This doesn’t mean we will tell them what we talk about with you.

Question 7

Will I get into trouble?

Accepted Answer

We will not share the information you tell us unless we are extremely worried for your safety, our aim would be to keep you safe not for you to get into trouble.

Question 8

How long can you work with people?

Accepted Answer

For the YouCan and Unity service. Our support is not time limited we can continue to support you for as long as you feel you need the support. We can see you weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on what works best for you.

For On Track, there are sometimes time limits depending on the service. Contact On Track's for more details.

Question 9

Is there a waiting list?

Accepted Answer

We do have at times a waiting list but we will be in contact within 2 weeks and will always keep you updated of when a meeting will be booked.

Question 10

Can I see you in school?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can come and meet you in a place you feel comfortable this could be at home, school, college, wherever you feel comfortable.

Question 11

Can I talk to you about other stuff?

Accepted Answer

Yes we understand that drug or alcohol issues can be one of the issues you are facing, we will complete an assessment with you that will look at what other support may be useful, this could include mental and physical health, housing, education and relationship advice.

Question 12

Will there be a change in worker?

Accepted Answer

We try not to change your worker, we know it can be difficult when one of our workers leave, if we have to change you to a new worker, we will ask you what kind of person you would feel most comfortable with and try and match you with one of our workers.

Question 13

Can I bring someone with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes we understand it can be a big step meeting someone new.

Question 14

My parents/carers don't drive, how do I get to you?

Accepted Answer

We come to you! We can meet you in a location you feel comfortable such as school and for our holiday activities we can arrange transport so you can attend.

Question 15

What if I don’t know what to say?

Accepted Answer

That’s completely okay. You don’t need to prepare anything before contacting us. Just tell us what’s been happening and what you’re worried about, and we can take it from there.

Young People

Frequently Asked Questions