Newport Politicians Welcome Drugs Rehab Grant

Newport politicians say a £600,000 grant for a drugs rehab centre in the city is a welcome boost in the fight against drug addiction. The grant, awarded to the Kaleidoscope centre, will help treat around 200 drug addicts.

Kaleidoscope lost its contract to provide rehab services to the whole of Gwent earlier this year, with only Newport retaining it.

The centre was previously receiving £800,000 from Gwent Community Safety Partnership to help around 450 addicts across the former county. About half was spent in Newport.

Now Newport Community Safety Partnership, made up of representatives of Newport Council, Gwent Police and Newport Local Health Board, has awarded Kaleidoscope £600,000 for this year.

Kaleidoscope says that as well as helping heroin users, the 50 per cent increase for the city means it can employ an extra worker to help crack cocaine users and tackle prostitution.

They will also provide counselling, harm-reduction support and relapse prevention.

Newport East AM John Griffiths said: “The funding is wonderful news.

“I think they do a very important job. Any extra resources will be put to good use.”

Newport West AM Rosemary Butler added: “Kaleidoscope already has an impressive track record. This extra funding means Kaleidoscope can tackle drug abuse in a range of ways.

“It’s good news, not just for those who need rehabilitation, but for the community as a whole.”