The MARC Project - Newtownards

The MARC Project continues to be a vital service required in the North Down and Ards area, providing much needed support to individuals who experience difficulties in their lives due to substance misuse. The focus of the work provided at MARC is to provide a voice to those in society who are marginalised and oppressed as a result of life challenges, and to walk alongside them, supporting them to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. The MARC Project provides a low threshold service to adults who experience substance misuse issues and complex needs such as mental health, physical health, offending behaviour, housing issues and social isolation. The project offers a daily drop-in centre, a floating support service within the community and a one-to-one mentoring programme. Floating Support Service Covers the North Down and Ards area Accreditation as a housing support provider through Supporting People Designed to support clients on a one to one who experience substance misuse and housing issues Assisting individuals to maintain their tenancies Support clients who experience a housing crisis Support clients to obtain temporary accommodation through the homeless application process with NIHE DROP-IN CENTRE Provides a safe, welcoming environment for individuals who experience substance misuse issues The centre offers a hot meal daily, alongside the provision of laundry and shower facilities Clients who use the centre are offered emotional support, advice and signposting to other services A range of activities, group-work sessions and various trips are planned throughout the year for clients to enjoy Crisis Response Delivers an 8 week Support Programme using a person centred approach One to One support in dealing with crisis in a community setting which focuses on the safety, well being and empowerment of the client during the time of crisis. Focuses on beginning treatment as soon as possible and aims to relieve immediate distress and assist recovery Learning new ways of coping with stressful situations Housing Clinic An early intervention clinic to be held within Drop-in designed to help clients address issues before a homeless crisis emerges This Project can be accessed via self referral or referral via Social Worker / GP