NEW service supporting those receiving treatment for alcohol and substance misuse in Gwent is to be officially launched next week.

Services for drug and alcohol misuse in Gwent have changed since May and Kaleidoscope, Drugaid and G4S have come together to form Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS).

It is the largest drug and alcohol contract in Wales, with all five regions in Gwent involved, and will employ more than 120 members of staff.

Within the first three months, the new service received 901 referrals and supported 223 service users to meet their treatment goals.

It is currently providing support for 1,787 people and the contract is due to run for another three years, with an option of extending it by a further two years.

The contract is the first of its kind in Wales as it brings together all drug and alcohol services for over 18s within one service contract.

The service will provide a full range of recovery orientated activities for adults over 18, including detoxification, needle exchange, and relapse prevention groups.

Sian Chicken, GDAS head of operations, said: “Previously substance misuse services were provided within nine different contracts, by three separate organisations, divided by substance, across the five boroughs of Gwent.

“The move to a ‘one contract, one service’ approach that addresses all substance use will result in seamless services for people who seek support for their own or their loved ones drug and/or alcohol use.

“There will be one single point of contact for referrals, advice and support that will make accessing the service easier and more effective.

“The consortium will enable us to share relevant skills, experience and expertise in a way that is mutually complementary in terms of the service specification and delivery expectations.

“The positive working relationships underpin our decision to work together to deliver the GDAS service."

The service will be official launched on October 1 at Llancaich Fawr Manor in Treharris at 9.30am. To book your place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gwent-drug-and-alcohol-service-gdas-launch-event-tickets-17968187332.