Fear is a constant companion at the beginning of the journey.  Our approach is to walk with our clients, to laugh with them and, sometimes, to cry with them.  We offer hope, where previously there had only been despair.  We develop powerful empathic relationships with those we serve and are expert at helping them to find the motivation required to begin the long journey ahead.  We offer:

• System Navigation - People are often overwhelmed by the many options offered by the system(s) of care.  We offer system navigation to people affected by substance use and mental health issues; we help them to connect to clinical and community services appropriate to their needs.  We can help to guide them through the maze.
• General connectedness - Many people are fragile at the beginning of their journey.  Even when they are well engaged with clinical services, there is often a big gap between appointments.  We can help to bridge that gap with face-to-face or telephone support, seven days per week.
• Finding solutions to specific challenges - We rarely meet people who are faced with just a single issue.  We can often provide helpful support and advocacy around housing, income assistance, child protection, probation and court appearances.
• Supporting the family - Umbrella works with family members to help them to better understand what is going on, and to help them manage understandable emotions - fear, anger and guilt.  We coach them in how to be supportive and helpful, without enabling old behaviours to continue.