Creating Alternatives to Custody Through Understanding and Support (CACTUS) provides day support services to drug misusers aged 16 plus who have a live connection with the criminal justice system in Renfrewshire.

In addition across Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde CACTUS provides an arrest referral scheme to the Procurator Fiscal, police and the courts.

CACTUS aims to

Reduce illegal drug use and offending behaviour by providing courts with an alternative to custody which compliments and enhances probation orders and deferred sentences.

The objectives of both elements of CACTUS are to:

  • Operate a prompt and efficient referral system for the courts and social work criminal justice teams.
  • To create and implement an individualised plan of support for each service user.
  • To monitor and review performance in conjunction with the service users supervising officer.

Assessment Process

Following acceptance for the service from a referral there is a three way meeting to agree a programme plan. This will normally include the service user, the referrer and a staff member from CACTUS.  The initial meeting will take place within a week of starting the support programme and will draw up a person centered action plan which will outline the aims and goals for the service user.

Referrals

Anyone can give us a call for information but we require a referral from a criminal justice authority, for example a social worker, drugs worker, the police or the courts.

You will find CACTUS in the High Street, Paisley above the Hoggs Head pub, near JobCentrePlus.
We are currently open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm hours but we can arrange to meet at the weekends or in the evening.

Contact details

CACTUS
2nd Floor
45 High Street
Paisley, PA1 2AH
T: 0141 889 3872
F: 0141 889 5904
E: cactusadmin@tpscactus.co.uk