Compass is sharing its experience to benefit the development of drug treatment internationally by hosting a number of placements with drug services across the world.

Hull’s Harm Reduction Services welcomed their first international work placement in June this year. Psychotherapist Amine Mallet left the Lebanese drug treatment service SKOUN to gain a better understanding of the services Compass provides.

The team at Hull had nothing but positive thoughts from the experience. Cluster Manager Peta Godney summarised the feelings of the Compass team: “Amine has so many ideas and plans to take back to the Lebanon with him, and is keen to help establish a needle exchange facility at SKOUN.

“Our week with Amine was a thoroughly positive and enjoyable experience for all involved. Friendships were forged and the team are committed to helping SKOUN in any way we can to achieve their goals.”

Compass first had contact with SKOUN via C4 Recovery Solutions who set up a visit in May last year. Hayat Fakhouri and Dala Fakhreddine were shown round the Hull services whilst visiting the UK for a the UKESAD conference. Since then Compass have maintained contact with the service.

Compass CEO Steve Hamer expressed his growing interest in international development: “In October 2009 I visited the MENAHRA conference (in Beirut) and met with representatives from local services. I felt that there was something we could offer them to help with the development of these services. The most obvious thing was offering the option for people to come over to Compass services and look at the delivery of some of the areas they were delivering in Beirut.

“There will be four placements in total per year and we hope to expand that if it is to the benefit of SKOUN and our resources permit.”