New substance misuse service launched

A new integrated drug, alcohol and family intervention service has been unveiled.

The service will be delivered by Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS), under a £13.5m three-year contract.

In what claims to be the first scheme of its kind in the area, both individuals and communities affected by substance misuse will be supported.

The project is backed by Gwent Area Planning Board and Gwent's police and crime commissioner (PCC).

The Welsh government, the local authorities in the area, and the Aneurin Bevin University Health Board are also supporting the programme.

"We need to find local solutions to our problems," said Lyn Webber from the Gwent PCC funded Gwent Drug Intervention Programme.

"This is truly an exciting new chapter in the treatment of substance misusing offenders in Gwent."

The new service will work with communities and individuals affected by substance abuse, says Lyn Webber (centre)

Kaleidoscope and Drugaid Wales will help provide support and recovery programmes for substance misusers, and security company G4S will also help deliver the service's adult programme.

The move is described as a first in Wales, where the private criminal justice service industry and community-led drug and alcohol services have been commissioned to work together.

Welcoming the new provision, the Chair of the Gwent Area Planning Board, Chief Superintendent Julian Knight of Gwent Police, said: "The board is pleased to help establish a fully integrated and comprehensive service for substance misusers and those affected by it in Gwent.

"We welcome this new service which aims to provide essential support, advice and opportunities for people who are at their most vulnerable."