Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service

Since 2014 the Office of the Police and Crimes Commissioner for Gwent has invested more than £800,000 annually into the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service.

The service provides advice and targeted support to drug and alcohol users, their families, and professionals who may deal with people presenting with drug and alcohol problems.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “Preventing crime and supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities are two of the key priorities at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan.

“Drugs and alcohol abuse are, more often than not, a contributing factor to both of these issues. Because of this, we are working with key partners to tackle this problem, helping to keep residents safe and support those in need.

“My office has invested more than £800,000 each year into the service since 2014. This high level of investment demonstrates how seriously we take the problem, and how committed we are to being part of the solution.

“By addressing the drug and 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.”

The majority of the funding is used to support GDAS Criminal Justice which works with those either within, or at the point of entry to the criminal justice system.

In 2018/19 the service had a focus on tackling county lines, homelessness and domestic violence through collaborative partnership work.

GDAS CJ worked directly with Gwent Police and key partners to provide a multi-agency response to these issues, sitting within serious and organised crime strategy meetings, rough sleepers task groups, and attending warrants with the police to ensure that vulnerable people had their immediate needs met and were safeguarded from further exploitation.

Assistant Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Jon Edwards, said: “The Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service is a great example of partnership working to support the most vulnerable people in our communities. This is an invaluable service, which aims to provide support, education and offer diversionary pathways alternative to the criminal justice system.”

More information is available on the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service website. www.gdas.wales