NewLink Wales

Substance Misuse Volunteering & Training

Newport Community Engagement Project

Building upon three years of working directly with the Black & Minority Ethnic communities in Newport, NewLink Wales was delighted to be able to utilise a Capital fund from the Welsh Assembly Government to secure a project base in Newport. With the support of a People and Places grant from the Big Lottery Fund we were able to develop and staff the new community project.

The official opening and launch of the new Community Engagement Project in Newport was held on the 21st November 2007.

Over fifty people attended the official opening by Leighton Andrews AM, Deputy Minister for Social Justice and Local Government. In his speech, Mr Andrews said:

"This project will provide a safe environment allowing workers to respond to the needs and concerns of community members on matters relating to substance misuse in a sensitive and confidential manner. The Assembly is aware of NewLink Wales and its partnership working, which is key to taking this service forward. I would like to wish them every success with this project."

Shirley Yendell, Chief Executive of NewLink Wales said:

"We are really excited about this new project development in Newport and look forward to working together with agencies and communities in supporting individuals, families and communities in the future"

The project is made up of a BME Community Outreach Worker, BME Community Training and Education Worker and Project Administrator. This project allows the team to reach out to communities providing culturally appropriate education and support, raising awareness as the use of drugs and alcohol is affecting all of our communities in some way.

The project is for individuals, families and communities who have been, or know someone who has been affected by substance misuse.

The service aims to empower communities to deal with substance misuse issues through education, awareness raising and outreach in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.

The Community Engagement Project is the first step towards getting support for individuals, families and communities.

It provides:

If you wish to meet with any of the team please call and book an appointment.

Project opening times: Monday-Friday 9.30am - 4pm

Telephone: 01633 252110

E-mail: bmeservices@newlinkwales.org.uk

Address:

8 Pentonville

Newport

NP20 5HB

This service is free and confidential.

What does the project offer?

Education and Training through..regular drug and alcohol awareness sessions at the Community Engagement Project or within a variety of community venues. These informal sessions are free, open to all BME communities and are designed for your specific needs. Sessions are held at various times and locations dependant on community needs, please contact the office for further information.

Outreach Service : The project provides street outreach in the areas of Pillgwenlly, Maindee, Duffryn, Somerton and Shaftsbury, as well as others. For times and further details, please contact the project.

Outreach Desks: There is information about drugs and alcohol in various languages. The information desks are held in various community venues in Newport.

• Monday: 9am - 12.30pm at Pill Millennium Centre, Courtabella Terrace, Newport
• Thursday: 9am - 12.30pm at The Welsh Refugee Council, High Street, Newport
• Friday: 9am - 12.30pm at Pillgwenlly Resource Centre, Commercial Street or Anondhodhara Office, Church Road, Maindee

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer Testimony

"I have been volunteering with the Newport Community Engagament Project since October 2009 and have found the experience has enabled my confidence and skills to increase. I have supported in the delivery of education workshops and group visits, as part of my additional volunteer work I have organised an event to raise awareness about Substance Misuse which was attended by people of all ages and backgrounds. I speak Urdu, Hindi and Guajarati as well as English and have found these languages allow me to interact and support people from many different communities. Thank you NewLink Wales for this opportunity."

The support and skills that the project has gained from our volunteers through the years has been priceless and it is very fulfilling to watch each individual to provide valuable support to individuals and communities alike as well as develop and grow in their own confidence, knowledge and skill set.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the project as a volunteer then please call for a free information pack.

Steering Committee

The project steering committee has representation from different communities consequently bringing their knowledge and insight into the project. The skills and support that members bring is most valuable in providing a highly successful service and an avenue to reach many communities allowing them to have an input. The project has held a number of meetings and is continually working to provide the best service possible for the communities. The Steering Committee meets bi-monthly and will be holding its next meeting in July 2010.

If you are interested in becoming involved or would like to know more please give us a call.

Community Member Quotes

"It's nice to see this information in the community centre. I know people who never knew where they could get help without having to ask someone. I know that they wouldn't ask because they would get into trouble."

"I think this information is so interesting and all you people are so nice, so many times people come and talk to us but they make us feel like we wall take drugs, but you understand"

"People from our community are too embarrassed and hide the truth so its nice to have people that care and show confidentiality."

NewLink Wales
Limited Company No 4142393
Registered Charity No 1085545
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