Case study

Whilst working on a project that dealt with chaotic street drinkers we came across a client whom, for confidentiality purposes, I will refer to as A/C.

When we first encountered A/C he was drinking between 30-50 units of cider per day. A/C was in his mid 40,s and had been abusing alcohol for over 20 years.

To obtain the money for this, A/C often resorted to prostituting himself. This often resulted in physical and sexual abuse. A/C had also been street homeless for 10 years, and well known to the police for anti social behaviour. As a result of his chaotic lifestyle, A/C suffered from malnutrition, severe skin and scalp eczema, as well as regular blackouts which resulted in several injuries, including a broken arm.

A/C at first was very reluctant and fearful about engaging, but after attending the project (Luna) for about a month he began to disclose some information about himself which led him to ask for help around his alcohol misuse and health issues.

As a result of this request we referred A/C to a alcohol detoxification unit and to funders for rehab. As a result of meetings with the funders and myself it became clear that a residential rehabilitation centre would be of benefit to A/C.

It was felt that because of A/C’s complex needs a centre that provided therapeutic therapies would provide A/C with an opportunity to work on his many issues. A/C also felt that he would be unable to gain much benefit from a 12 step centre as he had fears around disclosing his sexuality and felt he was not ready to disclose his abuse issues in a group setting.

He entered detox on 28/07/2009, He completed this after a period of 4 weeks, after which he was accepted at and moved into a residential rehabilitation centre based in Canterbury. had identified this as a suitable centre to meet A/C’s needs.

Whilst there I visited A/C on 3 separate occasions and each time I observed a significant improvement in both A/C’s physical health and mental state. A/C remained there until he completed this program in Jan 2010

A/C was linked back into Islington via supported peoples housing. A property was identified where A/C would be able to focus on his complex needs other than alcohol. After being in this property for less than a week A/C left and relapsed and has been reported as a missing person to the police.

The aims of I.M.A.C.E are to reintegrate clients such as A/C into their community; by offering support and structure when returning to their borough of origin.

This can be done for clients whom have been released from prison, have undergone a period of either detoxification or rehabilitation, and for Islington residents who are or feel they are isolated from the community.

Through 1-1 mentoring and group sessions it is believed that individual goals can be achieved and it is hoped we can negate the chances of A/C’s experiences being repeated and afford individuals the best opportunities to continue their recovery and reintegrate themselves into the local community. And ensure the hard work done through effective partnership in Islington can continue for clients with complex needs


This project and investment and support by the Local Authority would help to underpin the work done and money spent on clients treatment thus reducing the likelihood of them incurring a revolving door scenario which is neither cost effective or an outcome of long term benefit to the client or the local community.


Written by: Dave Brazier
I.M.A.C.E