NewLink Wales | NewSteps

 



NewSteps


NewSteps – an opportunity to introduce volunteering and learning to substance misusers / drinkers while they are still going through treatment.

NewSteps is here to help people in recovery from drug or alcohol related issues. In early recovery, people can feel ‘lost’ and in need of something to fill their empty days. Volunteering with NewSteps helps prevent relapse by combating the boredom and isolation people feel during their recovery. NewSteps volunteers may be referred by a key or support worker or a self referral.

What we can offer:

  • One-to-one support
  • Free training to enhance your skills and development
  • Support and encouragement
  • Match you to an appropriate buddy who will support you
  • Education and qualifications
  • A variety of placement agencies for you to volunteer

As a NewSteps volunteer, you will be linked with a volunteer buddy / befriender who will support and encourage you throughout your volunteering within your chosen placement.

NewSteps Flyer

We offer a range of activities for you to participate in, here’s the weekly schedule!

Mondays:

NewSteps run a group at Recovery Cymru in Barry between 10:30am – 1:00pm. We use this time to come together and be creative! We work on arts and craft items that we display in the garden and the centre. We also visit the Gibbonsdown community gardens as a team and help out when the sun shines.

Wednesdays:

We hold Women’s only craft days at NewLink Wales between 1:30pm – 4:30pm.

The Riverside Community Gardens are open to NewSteps clients between 10:00am – 4:00pm each Wednesday, there is a fully trained ‘buddy’ on site should you feel you need support.

Opportunities:

Hafal – If you have a dual diagnosis of mental health as well as substance/alcohol misuse, staff at Hafal welcome you to attend gardening sessions at St Fagans. They have a cottage there and a lovely spot of land, along with gardening you can get involved in crafting things for the garden. They also go on many day trips, beach walks and weekends away.

Pedal Power – This organisation works with people with special needs who wish to access bicycles. If you have an interest in bikes, you can help out in the bike shed, cleaning and fixing the bikes. Should you feel that you would like to be more hands on, you can volunteer to work directly with their customers by helping them chose the right bike for them and preparing them for their bike ride. Should you have in interest in catering, you can help out in the cafe or perhaps you would like to help them fundraise.

St Fagans – The National Museum Wales is offering a rare opportunity to volunteer in several different areas of St Fagans. The opportunities come around on a ‘needs only’ basis so it’s always best to take up another voluntary opportunity to keep busy until placements become available. There are two types of voluntary opportunities at the museum including : Historic Buildings Unit – help the builders to put together the buildings that are donated to the museum. Garden : Help the gardeners keep the vast land at the museum. A one off day at the farm was offered to volunteers where they helped with lambing, this opportunity was wonderful and the Project Officer hopes that soon this will be available more regularly.

Charity Shops – There are a wide choice of charity shops available all over Cardiff and the Vale should you like the idea of volunteering in a shop. VCS – NewSteps understand that each person is individual and has different interests. Therefore, we work closely with the Volunteer Bureau to find placements to suit everyone. As with all other opportunities, we pay full travel expenses if you live in Cardiff or the Vale.

“The support of NewSteps has played a big part in my recovery”

To find out more about NewSteps please email Kat York, NewSteps Project Officer or call 02920 529002.

“A year ago I went through a divorce and was very depressed, volunteering at St Fagans has helped me meet new people and have a laugh, that’s important”

“If it wasn’t for NewSteps helping to keep me focused and giving me a routine by regularly attending the allotments I would have relapsed by now”

“Volunteering on NewSteps gets me out of the care home where I live, I look forward to it each week. It’s good to be active and to meet new people”