National Assembly for Wales / Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
Health and Social Care Committee / Y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol

Inquiry into alcohol and substance misuse / Ymchwiliad i gamddefnyddio alcohol a sylweddau

Evidence from Symud Ymlaen Project, The Wallich – ASM(Q) 09 / Tystiolaeth gan Prosiect Symud Ymlaen, y Wallich – ASM(Q) 09

Inquiry into alcohol and substance misuse

Survey Consultation Response

Organisation: Symud Ymlaen Project, The Wallich

The Wallich which is a Welsh Homeless Charity and I work on a Project called “Symud Ymlaen” which works with people with substance misuse issues.

Questionnaire

01. Which client group(s) do you work with? (For example, under 18s, older persons, homeless, or female only)

Clients over 18 living in their own homes.

02. What are the main reasons why your clients take drugs or drink excessively?  Please tick all that apply.

If you work with more than one client group or you feel that there are other reasons as to why your clients take drugs or drink excessively, please comment in the box below.

§ A way to deal with stress;

§ Client’s already substance reliant;

§ Mental health;

§ Environmental factors (for example – excessive drinking and/or drugs normalised in the home/community)

§ Financial concerns;

§ Self-medication;

§ Escapism.

03. Are there certain groups of people who are more likely to be affected by drugs and excessive drinking? If so, which groups might they be?

No there is no one particular group of people who are affected more than others. It is across the board.

04. Does a particular stage of your clients’ lives influence their likelihood of taking drugs or drinking excessively? If so, what stage might that be? (i.e. age, relationship breakdown, unemployment etc.)

No there is no particular stage unless there is a specific trauma. It could be any reason.

05. What barriers exist for your client(s) when trying to access support and services?

Lack of funding, distance and transport, waiting times,

06. What barriers exist for services when trying to access support for client(s)?

Chaotic lifestyle of clients, not attending meetings and dealing with post. Funding, lack of follow on support.

07. What do you consider to be barriers for staff and frontline services in working with your client group(s), or substance misuse generally?

Chaotic lifestyle of the client, funding, health and safety issues, distances between services.

08. Where do you think efforts should be targeted to address the issue of alcohol and substance misuse in Wales?

§ Initial contact to signpost service users to appropriate support;

§ Intervention rather than punishment;

§ Follow on services to support recovery;

09. In which local authority area do you work? If you work outside of Wales, please write your local authority area below.

Powys

Contact Details

N/A – Anonymous