Axis All Areas

"Before I attended I considered myself to be culturally aware, however this course has furthered my knowledge and has highlighted areas I could improve and will definitely use the toolkit."

What is Axis All Areas?

With the backing of the Welsh Government the Axis All Areas toolkit has been established in response to an increase feedback regarding identifying and appropriately dealing with the cultural issues faced surrounding substance misuse and alcohol.

NewLink Wales is proud to present this toolkit which will assist those working with individuals who experience issues with substance misuse. The ethnic profile of the UK is rapidly changing and we must ensure that services and interventions are delivered in a culturally appropriate manner to maximise their effectiveness. This means that the practice of substance misuse workers, counsellors, support workers, volunteers, health professionals and related partners should be adapted to accommodate the cultural needs of the people we serve.

This toolkit contains guidance and psychosocial interventions tools for assessing cultural needs, exploring key issues and understanding substance misuse within a variety of cultural contexts. This is not intended to offer a definitive collection of tools but rather to offer a starting point and a prompt to increase confidence when working with people from diverse groups. Our intention is to provoke discussion and encourage divergent thinking about the things we often take for granted. From this, the practitioner and the service user can meaningfully explore their cultural compatibility and be open about how cultural needs can be fully met.

The main aims of the toolkit are:

  • To encourage culturally appropriate practice throughout the substance misuse sector.
  • To empower practitioners to assess and work with those who have cultural needs.
  • To ensure equality of access to meaningful interventions for all service users.
  • To ensure that stereotypes are challenged and that diversity is fully embraced.
  • To help service users to explore the cultural implications of substance misuse and what this means for their recovery.
  • To explore the cultural compatibility of a service user and their worker – setting boundaries and expectations early on in the relationship.
  • Assist practitioners in confronting their own biases and raise awareness of their own cultural identity.
  • To ultimately promote long term recovery from substance misuse.

"This toolkit will assist me to deal with Ethnic Minority service users in a non-judgmental and considerate way"

The toolkit can be delivered as a bespoke course for your organisation.

If you wish to book a bespoke course, or require any further information on the Axis All Areas toolkit or any of our community engagement services please contact NewLink Wales on 02920 529002 or via email.