Outreach Services

Outreach services are about taking support to people, rather than expecting people to come to us. Outreach recognises that not everyone can access office based appointments and that some people face significant barriers to engaging with services.

At Wirral Ways, our Outreach Services provide flexible, proactive support across the Wirral, working with people in community settings, accommodation, and places where support is most needed.

Our outreach approach

Outreach work is relationship based, practical, and non judgemental. It focuses on building trust, reducing harm, and supporting people at their own pace.

Our approach is:

• Person centred and trauma informed

• Flexible and responsive

• Focused on safety, health, and engagement

• Grounded in harm reduction and wellbeing

• Joined up with wider services and partners

Outreach is often the first step into support for people who feel excluded or disconnected from services.

Who outreach services are for

Outreach support is for adults who:

• Find it difficult to attend appointments

• Are not currently engaged with services

• Are experiencing multiple or complex needs

• Are at higher risk due to substance use, health, or housing issues

• Want support delivered in a more flexible way

Outreach also supports people who are already working with Wirral Ways but need additional or alternative ways to engage.

What outreach support looks like

Our outreach team works across a range of settings, including streets, hostels, supported accommodation, community spaces, and partner locations.

Support may include:

• One to one outreach support and engagement

• Harm reduction advice and safer use information

• Overdose awareness and naloxone provision

• Support to access drug and alcohol treatment

• Health advice and links into clinical services

• Help attending appointments or referrals

• Practical problem solving and encouragement

• Building trust and motivation over time

Support is shaped around what feels helpful and realistic for each person.

Reducing harm and keeping people safe

A key focus of outreach work is reducing immediate risk and preventing harm.

This includes:

• Overdose prevention and education

• Advice around tolerance changes and mixing substances

• Access to harm reduction equipment and information

• Blood borne virus testing and vaccination signposting

• Support around physical health and wound care

This work can be life saving and helps people stay safer in the short and long term.

Working alongside partners

Outreach services work closely with local partners to provide coordinated support. This includes collaboration with:

• Housing and homelessness services

• Hostels and supported accommodation providers

• Health and mental health services

• Criminal justice partners

• Community and voluntary organisations

Partnership working helps reduce duplication and makes support easier to access.

No pressure, no judgement

Outreach support does not come with expectations or ultimatums. People are not pressured to stop using substances or to engage in treatment before they are ready.

Conversations are respectful, honest, and focused on what matters to the individual.

Outreach as a pathway into support

For many people, outreach is a starting point rather than an end in itself. Over time, outreach support can help people:

• Build trust with services

• Access structured treatment when ready

• Improve health and wellbeing

• Reduce risk and harm

• Move towards stability and recovery

Progress happens at different speeds and is always led by the individual.

How to access outreach services

Outreach support is usually offered through engagement in the community or via referrals from partner organisations. Some people may already be linked with Wirral Ways and be offered outreach as part of their support.

If you are a professional wanting to refer someone, or you feel outreach support could help you or someone you know, get in touch with Wirral Ways to find out more about outreach services on the Wirral.