Interview: Martin Territ

Martin Territ has been working for CCA for four years, first as a Project Worker, now as a Substance Misuse and Triage Worker.

The wikipedia definition for triage is a “system of sorting patients according to need when
resources are insufficient for all to be treated”. Martin is the medium between clients and
resources.

Clients, who seek help with their drug or alcohol problem, make an appointment to see Martin. He helps with information, directs them to the right institution and arranges for them to be seen by professionals.

“The problem is to decide if the cry for help is just a daily crisis brought on by lack of money for
substances, or if the client really wants to change his life style and come off drugs or alcohol.”

But how can he tell?

Martin himself looks back on a long life of alcohol and drug abuse and imprisonment from which he has completely come clean. However, these experiences are extremely valuable, when assessing and helping the clients.

Martin works closely with the doctor, who comes to see clients at the Glassworks twice a week. Martin’s work also involves out-reach, which means meeting clients who have been temporarily banned from the day centre at regular times in the city, or homeless people who do not yet use the facilities of the centre. Martin also visits clients in CCA properties.

“The best thing about my job is to be able to give something to people who have nothing. Here at Glassworks they can have food, hot coffee, a shower – especially in winter it is great to see them warm up and feel a bit better.”