Fran Gracie, National substance misuse specialist advisor for Keys Group, has been delivering Substance Misuse Training in Wisbech and Rockingham for one of Keys Group’s most recent acquisitions, Direct Care. Staff were trained in all substances, including new and emerging drugs and their harmful effects on young people. Staff and Managers are now more equipped in spotting the signs of any drug use, where to access support from and are able to offer our young people substance misuse education and harm reduction advice in key work sessions. All Keys Group’s services have access to Fran’s expertise in this field for direct advice and support.
“The training was interesting and well informed. It provided lots of information to help me carry out my role effectively and support the young people I care for, giving me a good knowledge of substances and the effects/impact on young people. Fantastic and Enjoyable!” Residential Child Care Worker
National Specialist Advisor for Substance Misuse
Fran Gracie, National Specialist Advisor for Substance Misuse
Fran’s background in the substance misuse field began in 2003 when she started work in adult alcohol rehabilitation, initially as a qualified Counsellor and then as Deputy Manager. During this time, she completed a BSc in Counselling at Leeds University, Counselling Supervision qualification and Registered Managers Award. Fran also ran a private counselling practice on a part time basis.
Since 2007, she has worked with young people and families in specialist substance misuse services across Manchester and Lancashire. Fran re-trained to become a Systemic Family Therapist at Leeds University; she implemented the first substance misuse family therapy team in the UK and developed a Supervision Model for the Lifeline Group. She later secured a post as an Operations Manager for a young person’s substance service covering five districts of East Lancashire. Fran remains passionate about substance services and is a trustee for a Charity that offers resettlement to people in recovery from substance addiction.
In 2016, Fran secured the role at Keys as a National Specialist Advisor for substance misuse, covering all the Keys Group services in the UK. Fran offers advice and support to staff working with substance users, and delivers specialist training to all staff within the organisation. Fran also provides the business with the latest intelligence on new and emerging substances which increases staff awareness of the types of substances in circulation. Occasionally, Fran will deliver direct evidence based, care planned psychosocial interventions and harm reduction advice to young people, ensuring that all presenting needs are identified and safeguarding concerns are responded to. Fran is also qualified to deliver Acupressure and Acupuncture Treatment, which she will offer as an intervention to any young people using substances with consent from their lead professional.
