Blog: Alcohol Awareness Week

Alcohol is often an contributing factor to criminality.

Since 2014 my office has invested more than £800,000 a year into the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service to deliver support to offenders where drug and alcohol misuse are the cause of their behaviour.

This high level of investment demonstrates how seriously we take the problem, and how committed we are to being part of the solution.

Support workers are based within the custody suites at Ystrad Mynach and Newport police stations, and also within Newport Magistrates Court. This allows us to offer offenders the support they need at the earliest opportunity.

By addressing the alcohol issues, and in many cases working with mental health professionals to examine their underlying causes, we are offering people an alternative pathway in life and preventing crime within communities.

You can read a recent blog from the GDAS Criminal Justice Service Manager here.

But GDAS does not only support those within the criminal justice system.

The team can offer advice and support to anyone struggling with alcohol and drug issues, or to family and friends who may be supporting a loved one.

For more information visit the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service website.