THE DROP-IN CENTRE

The Drop-in Centre, “Unità Fissa”, provides a protected environment to those users who, although looking for an alternative to living or walking on the streets, have not yet taken the decision to start a therapeutic programme.

The activities of the Drop-in Centre are very flexible following the needs and requests of drug users in relation to their own condition:

 

DROP

Wellcome point

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the first aim is to “attract” active drug users by offering them the possibility of refreshing themselves for a while far from the streets, to take a shower, eat a hot meal, and the possibility of having a bed, to sleep for few nights at Villa Maraini notwithstanding their intentions regarding substance consumption;
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strengthening the relationship during the time of their stay within the structure. Active drug users, particularly those who are not sufficiently motivated to abandon substance consumption may, in some way, establish the ground for future steps and begin to change their minds and behavioral attitudes by adopting less risky and destructive patterns of lifestyle. Alternatively others are directly attracted towards a higher level of therapeutic provision.  

Drop

Recreation Ground


The daily activities of the Drop-in Centre usually start with breakfast, followed by a gathering to decide the day’s activities, such as: general cleaning, maintenance of the premises, sport activities and recreation. Lunch, an afternoon snack and dinner are offered to the guests, who also have the opportunity to take a shower and get dressed if necessary.

Thematic Groups, Psychological support meetings and Medical check-ups and assistance in the internal Clinic Service are regularly carried out.

Villa Maraini staff at the “Unità Fissa” are composed of psychologists, social workers, Red Cross volunteers and civil service youngsters.

An average of forty users are hosted every day. It is important to remember that the impression created at the first impact with the service, often determines the user’s willingness to undergo a therapeutic program. For this reason, the Service has to appear as accessible as possible: practical obstacles to admittance, such as waiting time, as well as psychological obstacles, are reduced to minimum.

With the possibility of having three daily meals, a shelter and the assistance of a well motivated team of social workers, drug users can reflect better on their situation, having in this way more reasons to give up drugs, alcohol and any other substance abuse or addiction.

The length of stay in the Drop-in Centre of Villa Maraini depends upon the needs of both the service and the patient. In any case,  it implies respecting the rules and regulations governing the Drop-in Centre and participating in the various activities organized in and out of the complex, like work therapy, recreational activities, psychological support groups, etc.