Written by Lauren Magowen - Senior Outreach Worker
The South Eastern Outreach Team (SEOT) is committed to supporting people who use drugs and alcohol, meeting them where they are at to make a real difference in their lives. Many of the people we work with face significant barriers when accessing support, stigma, rural isolation, transport issues, and mental health struggles. Our outreach service helps remove these barriers, providing in-person support through one-to-one and group sessions. We offer guidance on mental and physical health, housing and homelessness, employment, benefits, debt, relationships, isolation, and accessing essential services.
“Rather than expecting people to seek help in formal settings, we meet them on their terms, wherever they are in their journey.”
Some may be unsure if they can or even want to make changes, while others have already taken steps toward recovery and need help with relapse prevention.
“Every stage matters, and every person deserves support without judgment.”
Addiction is rarely just about substance use. It often stems from a combination of underlying challenges such as mental health difficulties, physical health problems, unstable relationships, housing insecurity, financial hardship, and barriers to accessing services due to stigma or lack of transportation. Many individuals turn to substances as a way to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, or the overwhelming pressures of their circumstances. Rather than seeing addiction as a choice, it is important to recognise the complex factors that contribute to it. Our approach focuses on addressing these root causes, offering individualised support without judgment, and helping people regain stability in their lives.
The team runs weekly drop-in group support sessions in Bangor and Portaferry, providing a safe and welcoming space for people to share their experiences. These groups help break isolation, encourage connection, and allow individuals to see they are not alone. Many people we support have struggled to engage with services in the past due to stigma or clinical environments. Here, they find understanding, free from judgment.
“No one chooses to become dependent on substances. Our work aims to break down these barriers by increasing awareness, education, and acceptance. People we support have described our groups as a place where they feel safe, heard, and empowered to rebuild their lives.”
Recognising the impact addiction has on families, we also run a quarterly five-week Drug and Alcohol Family Support Programme. This structured programme helps families understand addiction, how they can best support their family member, boundaries, communication, and self-care. Many family members have shared how this support gave them hope, clarity, and confidence in helping their loved ones.
“As a parent, the Family Support Programme has been invaluable, helping me understand my son’s struggles and how I can support him without enabling.”
Another client who attends the group shared,
“I had lost hope until I joined the group. Now I believe things can change.”
Our work extends beyond individual and family support. We collaborate with organisations across the South Eastern area, delivering alcohol and drug awareness sessions to both clients and staff. These partnerships are essential in ensuring that people get the right support in the right places. One of our key community partners, Ken Scott from Bangor Foodbank and Community Support (link to website), has been instrumental in helping us expand our drop-in groups, provide food support, and create opportunities for volunteering and training.
“Without local collaboration, much of our work wouldn’t be possible. We are an evolving, responsive team committed to filling the gaps where help is needed most.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, we’re here to help. Fill out our referral form, call us at 07425623563, or email seoutreachteam@simoncommunity.org.