The Health Minister Edwina Hart has opened a new centre to improve access to advice, support and treatment for drug misuse in Swansea.
An investment of nearly £1.5m by the Welsh Assembly Government has enabled a local charity, the Swansea Drugs Project, to purchase new premises in the city centre and completely revamp them. As a result, Swansea Drugs Project will be able to increase its treatment capacity considerably, as well as increasing the range of treatment options that it offers.
Mrs Hart said:
“Substance misuse has a devastating impact of individuals, families and society.”
“We aim to reduce that impact through investment in prevention and education to stop people becoming hooked on alcohol or drugs in the first place, whilst also investing in treatment and rehabilitation for those who are addicted at the same time.”
“This development, which is a good example of that investment, will help to improve access to these services and is intended to reduce substance misuse and its impact in Swansea.”
The new premises on Mansel Street include provision for needle exchange, counselling rooms, a clinical room, a family room, a crèche and accommodation for staff.
Ifor Glyn, the Director of the Swansea Drugs Project, said:
“The Swansea Drugs Project welcomes the backing and investment we have received from the Assembly Government to enable us to open this new centre. In this day and age, most people will know an individual who is affected by misuse of drugs or alcohol – somebody’s child, brother or sister, husband, wife mother or father. It never just affects one person and can affect anybody.”
“This centre is for everyone in Swansea who needs it. It will work with other groups and agencies to increase efforts to stop people starting substance misuse, and start people stopping.”
