PEOPLE in recovery from drug and alcohol problems now have a new, safe place to meet in Newport city centre, to take part in activities and social events.

The Voice Hub, at McCarthy's Court on School Lane, hosted a vibrant launch event today to showcase facilities and services on offer across three floors, including a 'dry' bar/cafe, and art and music spaces.

It is also the city base for Cyfle Cymru, a service that helps people with substance misuse issues and/or mental health conditions to get into education, training or work, while other organisations based at the hub include Change Steps, for services veterans with drug and alcohol problems.

The hub began two years ago in premises on Charles Street, but the new venue offers much more space and scope for running events and groups.

Regular drop-in sessions are held, along with art, music, English and maths, and sessions designed to support ongoing recovery.

Rondine Molinaro, social enterprise and co-production manager with the charity Kaleidoscope, said the hub aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment with a heavy emphasis on peer support.

"There are treatment centres set up for people in active addiction, but nothing for people who have come out of it," she said.

"Often, there is nowhere to go for people where, for instance, alcohol is not served.

"It is all very well getting people off drugs and alcohol, but what happens then?

"This is a community venue for people in recovery from drug and alcohol problems, and some will have mental health problems too.

"It's a peer-led project. People in recovery are providing many of these services and activities themselves.

Rob Howe, from Newport, was helped by Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS), which is hosted by Kaleidoscope, and he also helped set up the previous hub on Charles Street.

"This is a place where people can come and feel safe and socialise, make new friends," said Mr Howe, who now works for GDAS.

Hub co-ordinator Ken Trayner said a tremendous amount of work has been done to get the hub ready for its official launch.

"People have worked very hard to make this a welcoming space," he said.

The hub can be contacted on 01633 258489, and more details are available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thevoicehubnewport