Harm Reduction Centrefor people with addictions in La Cañada Real (Madrid)

The Harm Reduction Centre in La Cañada Real is a service that provides psychosocial care through the provision of basic services (food, hygiene, clothing bank…), treatment support and harm reduction, as well as personal and relational support for people with active addictions and significant biopsychosocial deterioration who live in or are permanently linked to La Cañada Real, and who are often in situations of great vulnerability.

The team consists of 7 professionals (social workers, a psychologist, educators…) and benefits from the invaluable collaboration of volunteers.

Opening hours are from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Sunday, every day of the year.

• Health and harm reduction area
  A socio-educational intervention is provided through activities aimed at promoting healthy habits, education on drug use and lower-risk practices, and training of health agents.
• Personal development area
  Emotional support is offered through individual sessions and psycho-educational/therapeutic groups that help to improve self-esteem, develop personal skills and support decision-making processes…
• Food and personal hygiene area
  The acquisition of healthy habits (nutrition, hygiene, personal care, etc.) is promoted, and prepared food is provided several times a day.
• Coexistence area
  The acquisition of rules for coexistence at the centre is encouraged, and service users are encouraged to take part in its upkeep.
• Treatment support area
  Information is provided on treatment resources, along with accompaniment to them when necessary and motivation for change and for starting treatment.
• Leisure time area
  A more constructive use of leisure time is encouraged by providing spaces for recreational activities and shared learning that enable people to distance themselves from situations of active drug use.
• Outreach and street intervention area
  Detection, outreach and intervention with people with addiction problems who live in or are linked to the Cañada Real area, using an active search methodology in the areas around the centre.
• Coordination area
  Close coordination is maintained with the other organisations and agents working in La Cañada Real, building bridges of communication and collaboration between them.