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 Touchstones 12 – ASM(Q) 17 / Tystiolaeth gan Touchstones 12 – ASM(Q) 17
Inquiry into alcohol and substance misuse
Survey Consultation Response
Organisation/Respondent: Chris Goodwin, Touchstones 12
Questionnaire
01. Which client group(s) do you work with? (For example, under 18s, older persons, homeless, or female only)
Over 18s in the main - our clients were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to substance misuse.
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.
§ Peer pressure;
§ A way to deal with stress;
§ Client(s) already substance reliant;
§ Mental Health;
§ Boost confidence;
§ Relieve social anxiety;
§ Environmental factors (for example – excessive drinking and/or drugs normalised in the home/community)
§ Relationship problems;
§ Financial concerns;
§ Self-medications;
§ Escapism.
Comments
Loss of or lack of employment person turns to drink / drugs resulting in eviction or being removed from the marital home. Also violence / abuse issues suffered by both male and female.
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?
In our opinion and experience there is no certain type of groups of people, becoming reliant on alcohol / drugs can affect anyone and there is such a thing as a functioning alcohol / drug user hiding it from employers and family. For most it has become a way of life for some individuals through either peer pressure, upbringing (parents using substances) abuse issues, domestic violence (both men and women) and loss of employment. Resulting in low esteem and confidence
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.)
Please see above, Q3.
05. What barriers exist for your client(s) when trying to access support and services?
Access to detox units or residential rehab. Long waiting lists for counselling.
06. What barriers exist for services when trying to access support for client(s)?
In our case we try our best (resources permitting i.e. Bed space) to accommodate a client at
the earliest opportunity. However this can be delayed if waiting for detox as we do not have
the facility. Also lack of funding from local authorities should a potential client be a home
owner and plans to return to the family unit.
07. What do you consider to be barriers for staff and frontline services in working with your client group(s), or substance misuse generally?
Within our organisation there are no particular barriers for our staff.
08. Where do you think efforts should be targeted to address the issue of alcohol and substance misuse in Wales?
This is an easy one - do not cut funding for SPPG Projects, such as ours, we believe that we are cost effecting in many ways as while clients are with us it is less drain on NHS, emergency services and other public services as while here are substance free and less likely to use these services if under the influence of substances. Services like ours are invaluable.
See our website www.touchstones12.org.uk
09. In which local authority area do you work? If you work outside of Wales, please write your local authority area below.
Conwy
Contact Details
Chris Goodwin
Touchstones 12