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Hannah Lavelle
Digital Lead
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, GDAS integrated Breaking Free Online into its services in 2021. Initially, staff received comprehensive training to recommend this tool to clients, leading to a promising uptake. However, by mid-2022, an increase in referrals strained keyworkers’ caseloads. To address this, we revamped our strategy by training administrative staff to register clients for Breaking Free Online, primarily recommending it to those with low-level drug use. Clients retained the option to switch to a keyworker if needed.
We promoted registration through our website, social media, and printed materials. Breaking Free was offered alongside keyworker sessions and while clients awaited their initial appointments. This strategy alleviated staff workload and led to a steady increase in sign-ups, totaling 365 with a 100% retention rate. The data shows a monthly decrease in substance use and improved mental health among users, highlighting the tool’s significant impact on our service delivery.