Background Information

Gwent Alcohol Project (GAP) is an initiative of the Gwent Alcohol and Drug Misuse, a registered charity, and is currently funded by Gwent Health Authority, the Welsh Assembly and the four Unitary Authorities of Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and Torfaen. The Project also enjoys the benefits of a Partnership Agreement with Gwent Probation Service.

GAP has been in operation since January 1994 and provides a free and confidential counselling and information service for people aged 16 and over living within the greater Gwent area who are concerned about their own drinking or that of a relative of friend. The agency also offers an alcohol nursing and home detoxification service for people within the Newport area, provided by a Community Psychiatric Nurse in liaison with the client's G.P.In June 1998, Locality Co-ordinator/Counsellors were appointed to develop and deliver services, identify suitable venues and see clients within Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire. This enables GAP to provide a more locally-based accessible counselling service for people living in these localities.

Referrals are welcomed from any source e.g. self referrals from the individual concerned, from relatives or friends or professional referrals via Probation, Social Services, G.P's, C.M.H.T.'s etc., (with the client's permission) and are made over the telephone during regular office hours. An initial appointment for counselling or a home detox assessment can usually be offered within a fortnight of contact, often within a week. Early evening as well as daytime appointments are often available for ongoing counselling at the Newport base. The agency also has self-help literature available. N.B. GAP is unable to offer an emergency service, home visits for counselling or a drop-in facility.

Much of the ongoing counselling is provided by GAP's network of volunteer counsellors who have undergone intensive in-house training.The agency has received national accreditation under the Volunteer Alcohol Counsellors Training Scheme (VACTS) in recognition of the high standards it has achieved in the recruitment, training and supervision of volunteers. GAP currently has around 20 active volunteer counsellors.

GAP counsellors work on a one-to-one basis, enabling clients to explore their concerns, determine their own goals which may include abstinence or controlled drinking and work towards improving the quality of their lives. It is a style of intervention termed Motivational Interviewing; an approach which is client-centred and focuses on the individual's own strengths and resources to achieve change.

Whilst the referral, administration, and counselling base is in Newport, the counselling service covers the Greater Gwent area. With the appointment of the Locality Co-ordinator/Counsellors in Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire, it is now increasingly possible to see clients in these localities.

GAP also offers training, consultation and support to professionals coming across alcohol-related problems within their own client group/s. Professionals interested in training are very welcome to contact GAP to discuss their needs further.

Over the next two years GAP will be developing and delivering a young people’s alcohol and drug service (FUSION) within Newport, focusing on the 11-24 age group. Two young people’s workers have been appointed and this ground-breaking service, launched in July 2000, has been made possible by funding from the Welsh Assembly.

GAP is committed to maintaining a high quality service for each individual who comes into contact with the agency. GAP will also monitor its activities and the demand for alcohol services so as to make recommendations for future provision. GAP is working towards giving equality of service to all, regardless of for example; sex, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs, disability, or sexual orientation