GWENT ALCOHOL PROJECT

Gwent Alcohol Project provides free counselling to people concerned about their drinking. 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.