Published on 2nd April 2026
The Blue Light Approach is a nationally recognised framework for improving care and reducing harm among people with entrenched alcohol dependency who are not in contact with treatment services but have complex needs.
Within any given local authority, there are typically thousands of individuals who could benefit from interventions or treatment aimed at reducing alcohol consumption. The Blue Light Approach, however, is specifically concerned with a much smaller subset of this population—those with the most severe and enduring needs, and those who have a disproportionate impact on local services.
The Blue Light Team at Newham Rise has been supporting over 40 people in the past 5 years to reduce harm and live healthier, happier lives.
Currently, referrals into this pathway mainly coming from Hospitals and substance misuse services, however we know the need for our Blue Light response to alcohol dependent users out there is much larger.
How do we identify Service users that would most benefit from the Blue Light approach?
Alcohol dependence criteria:
- Have an enduring pattern of problem drinking, dating back at least ten years.
- Score 20+ on AUDIT or be classified as dependent on SADQ (16 – 30 = moderate dependence/30 is severe dependence range is 0 – 60) or have other markers of dependence on alcohol (Ethanol levels or biomarkers such as LFT scores may also be used)
- A pattern of not engaging with or benefiting from alcohol treatment programmes: Have been referred to services, usually on more than two occasions, and have not attended, attended and then disengaged or remained engaged but not changed.
Impact on Public services criteria:
A burden on public services — Clients will either directly, or via their effect on others e.g. their family, be placing a burden on the following services: Health & Social care including adults involved with children’s services; Criminal Justice/ASB/Domestic violence services; Emergency services (999); Housing and homelessness agencies
Pattern of non engagement in Treatment criteria:
- Received brief advice and harm-reduction interventions
- Been referred into treatment at least twice with an outcome of failed engagement.
- Failures to attend, dropped out or stay engaged but treatment not progressed.
- Being labelled non-compliant, unmotivated or choosing their lifestyle".
Significant single risk criteria
Even without frequent service use, the person might meet the CRITERIA if they pose a serious', exceptional risks such as:
- Recently released high-risk offender with alcohol linked behaviour
- Significant Safeguarding
- Known history of violence, arson or suicidal attempts exacerbated by alcohol use
Once we receive a referral for the Blue Light pathway, the team will begin to assertively engage the service user, bringing together professionals involved in their care to create a tailored support plan which is typically delivered in an outreach model.
Please use this link to make a referral, ensure information specific to the above Blue Light criteria is specified in your referrals.
Referrals can also be made to the Newham Substance Use Complex Needs Panel – please see here for further information: Newham Substance Use Complex Needs Panel (SUCNP) – Safeguarding and prevention – Newham Council