Contact Details

Antidote LGBT
Team Leader
Grainne Whalley
grainne.whalley@turning-point.co.uk
Turning Point Hungerford Drug Project
32a Wardour Street, Soho
Tel: 020 7437 3523
Fax: 020 7287 8743

Antidote LBGT Services

Antidote offers information and support exclusively to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) people around drugs and alcohol. Whether you want to cut down or stop using or drinking, or want information about keeping safe Antidote can help.

Why do LGBT people need special services?
They don’t always, but research suggests that LGBT people may be more likely to access services specifically targeted towards them, than generic services. Previous experiences of homophobia or discrimination around changing gender can lead to the perception that ‘mainstream’ services will not meet their needs (whether this is true or not).

For this reason, Antidote works exclusively with members of the LGBT community to provide substance misuse support, and act as a gateway where a referral to non-specialist services is required.

Providing a safe, LGBT space allows clients to focus on their drug or alcohol issues free from any worry of prejudice due to their sexual orientation or gender.

Antidote Services
Antidote provides a range of services, which may be used as a complete treatment package, or as additional support to treatment offered by other organisations.

• Weekly drop-in every Thursday evening 6.30—8.30. A space to talk to workers or other service users, or just pick up information and chill out.
  
• Complementary therapies. Drop-in for auricular acupuncture (no appointment needed) Thursday evenings 6.00—8.00. Other therapies also available by appointment.
  
• One-to-one counselling. Up to 9 months available with LGBT counsellors. Locations in Central, North and South London.
  
• Group work. Men’s and women’s weekly peer-support groups.
  
• Keyworking. Practical support on a one-to-one basis.
  
• In addition some clients may also wish to access other Hungerford services.
  

How to access services
Antidote is a self-referral service. We operate on two levels. The drop-in and auricular acupuncture services are open-access, and clients may simply turn up. Other services require an assessment. Clients may either book this via our Thursday evening drop-in service or telephone for an appointment.

Other support
Antidote can offer additional support to organisations working with LGBT clients, or to services seeking to improve LGBT accessibility. Working to National Treatment Agency guidelines on diversity, Antidote can provide training and consultancy on LGBT issues, or advise on individual cases.

We also provide drug and alcohol awareness training and workshops to LGBT organisations and professionals, e.g. to LGBT youth groups or volunteer teams etc.

To discuss any aspect of this please contact the Antidote coordinator.

Turning Point is a registered charity 234887, a registered social landlord and a company limited by guarantee no. 793558 (England & Wales).
Registered office: Standon House, 21 Mansell Street, London, E1 8AA Tel: 020 7702 2300 www.turning-point.co.uk