About Us
Drugaid's Purpose
Provide support, information and advocacy to those who are vulnerable and marginalised as the result of their own or someone else's drug and / or alcohol misuse, in order to improve their physical, social and emotional well–being
Improve individuals', communities', and society's understanding and awareness of the relationship between drug / alcohol use, misuse, vulnerability and exclusion, in order to overcome barriers which perpetuate the cycle
Drugaid's Ethos
The belief that individuals and their experiences are unique. Everything else flows from this, requiring services to be person-centred, flexible and wide-ranging to effectively meet the diversity of need
The belief that all individuals are entitled to respect and dignity within a safe environment
A commitment to learning through conventional and non-traditional routes, and through empathic relationships with clients. From this Drugaid aims to achieve a standard of competence in service delivery which is of the highest quality, within a framework committed to empowerment.
A commitment and expectation of mutuality. This is essential for true partnership and collaboration, and stakeholder relations which are open, trusting and transparent
Our History
Drugaid was established 1972 in Cardiff by Rev. Peter Keward. It was then known as South Wales Action to Prevent Addiction (SWAPA). SWAPA was a Volunteer-led information and help line. The first paid Coordinator was in the mid 1980's. SWAPA changed its name to Drugaid in the early 1990's.
Today Drugaid has services in Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, R.C.T. , Blaenau Gwent, Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthshire. Drugaid enjoys partnerships with a range of organisations, and is funded from a variety of sources including Local Health Boards, Community Safety Partnerships, YOTs, County Borough Councils, the National Probation Service, and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Drugaid today is significantly different from its beginnings. There are now over 60 staff and we have an annual budget in excess of £2 million.
We have an improved management system and infrastructure making Drugaid robust within an increasingly competitive market and with the capacity to provide a range of effective services across a large geographical area.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our head office on 02920 881000.