Kaleidoscope

15/04/2026

Meet Mike 👋

A true force of positivity and compassion, Mike is a shining example of recovery in action 🙌 Drawing on his own journey, he brings warmth, creativity and heart to our team - transforming spaces, inspiring wellbeing through art, and supporting vital health testing.

Kind, approachable and endlessly compassionate, Mike’s presence creates instant belonging and shows everyone he meets that recovery isn’t just possible—it’s something to be proud of 👏

01/04/2026

Conference tickets are selling fast for this years Co Kaleidoscope Co Production conference. Get your tickets now and support the people who are making a difference!

www.ticketsource.com/kaleidoscopecopro

Keeping calm is no longer an option!

The Co‑Production Conference is happening THIS MONTH!
Join us for a day that’s set to be lively, engaging and full of fresh ideas.

Thursday, 30th April, Depot Cardiff, doors open 9AM

Tickets are limited so secure yours now at www.ticketsource.com/kaleidoscopecopro

27/03/2026

Our L&D Lead, Brian Robertson, together with our Enhanced Treatment Practitioner, Keith O’Connor, have delivered a powerful two day, in person workshop giving people aged 16+ the practical skills needed for su***de first aid.

Using LivingWorks’ evidence based programme, participants learned how to recognise signs of suicidal thoughts, carry out supportive interventions, and work collaboratively to create safety plans.

We’re incredibly proud of the impact this training has in strengthening confidence, compassion, and life saving skills in our community.

Fantastic work, team! 👏

23/03/2026

We were proud to attend the fundraising concert yesterday in support of the Matt Willis Recovery Project. 🙌

A massive thank you to McFly and to everyone who came along, bought t-shirts, and donated - your support will make a real difference. 🫶

All funds raised will go to the DACW - Developing a caring Wales, a partnership of charities - Adferiad, Barod, Kaleidoscope and Safer Wales - supporting people and communities across Wales affected by substance use.

If you’d still like to contribute, you can donate here:
https://donorbox.org/dacw-concert

And keep an eye out 👀…
More to come this summer on BBC One!

📸 .jpeg

13/03/2026

📣 Add your voice to this important research!

Kaleidoscope is supporting Sheffield University’s research team to understand how alcohol free drinks are discussed in UK treatment and recovery services.

If you work in a UK-based alcohol treatment or recovery service (current or within the last 2 years), your insight could really help shape safer public health guidance.

✔️ Anonymous
✔️ Takes about 15 minutes

👉 Take part here: https://shef.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJWuaRTXPO23n94

Please share with anyone who might fit the criteria!

The University of Sheffield Barod Adferiad GDAS - Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

11/03/2026

Grab a ticket, bring your friends, and help make a difference 🙌🎸👇

🚨 Special one-off show from McFly in aid of the Matt Willis recovery project and DACW at DEPOT! 🚨

💥Matt Willis presents - McFly plus special guests The Joy Formidable and Half Happy 💥

NOTE: This event will be filmed for potential broadcast in a TV programme for a major broadcaster

🎟️ Get your tickets here - depotcardiff.com/event/mcfly-charity-show/

Adferiad Barod Kaleidoscope Safer Wales

11/03/2026

🏉 Strengthening Support at the Grassroots of Welsh Rugby 🏉

Last week, our L&D Lead Brian Robertson met with The Welsh Rugby Union to explore how clubs can better support players who may be struggling with substance use — and how to ensure everyone has access to trusted, evidence‑based information that helps keep them safer.

It was inspiring to see the WRU’s commitment to player wellbeing at every level. By opening these conversations and equipping local clubs with the right knowledge, we can reduce harm, challenge stigma, and make sure players feel supported on and off the field.

We’re excited to see this partnership grow and to help strengthen wellbeing across the Welsh rugby community.

10/03/2026

🌟 Last month, we celebrated the GDAS Peer Academy graduates — people who’ve come through our services and now give back with courage, compassion and hope. 🌟

Our graduates play a vital role in supporting others and strengthening communities across Gwent. We're incredibly proud of each of them 🎓

Here are some of our favourite moments 📸

GDAS - Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service

11/02/2026

Kaleidoscope’s Director of Clinical Services Kate Mcdougall, Mick Bird, Vinnie Condron and colleague Katy Holloway all feature in this Channel 5 news piece on the recent Welsh Government evaluation of long acting injectable buprenorphine.

This vital evaluation highlights positive personal and systemic outcomes and an evidenced return on investment.

Watch here 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

► "Drugs were my solution... Buvidal takes that all away"After 30 years on he**in, Mick says being treated with Buvidal has allowed him to move on with his l...

11/02/2026

As the largest third sector provider of long acting injectable buprenorphine in Wales, we are pleased to read the published evaluation released yesterday by Katy Holloway and colleagues, calling for continued and equitable funding that will enable us and health board colleagues to offer this vital medication.
LAIB has undoubtedly changed the lives of so many - offering greater choice, improving outcomes and reducing stigma.
Thank you to our staff, external stakeholders and our people in treatment for taking the time to offer their insights.
Read the full research here:

09/02/2026

Meet Mick, peer volunteer, trainer & champion of harm reduction 🙌

Mick is one of our incredible Peer Volunteers at GDAS - Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service. Although based in Newport, he travels across the UK delivering naloxone training and vital harm reduction support, helping save lives and empower communities.

For the last two Christmas', Mick helped organise and run a Christmas Day meal for people who needed somewhere warm, safe, and welcoming. He also works closely with our Board Trustee, George Charlton , to train people across the UK in administering naloxone, a commitment that saw him named Runner-Up for the “Keeping People Safe” Award at our 2024 Awards.

This year has been a busy one for him:
✨ He has facilitated a SMART Recovery group supporting people using alcohol and crack co***ne.
✨ He trained local police officers in Naloxone Nasal Spray (Pebbles) administration.
✨ He has been working within Newport Police Custody to support harm reduction strategies and improve outcomes for people in crisis.

We’re deeply grateful for Mick’s dedication, empathy, and leadership. His journey is proof of how lived and living experience can transform communities, and save lives.



fans Mick Bird

05/02/2026

🌟 Meet Michael, one of the amazing peer volunteers at GDAS - Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service in Newport 🌟

Michael brings incredible strength, compassion, and lived experience to the GDAS hub in Newport. After overcoming his own challenges with drug and alcohol use, he now gives back by supporting others on their recovery journey.

As a Peer Volunteer, Michael helps run the drop‑in service, breakfast club, and naloxone training. He’s also shared his story through media interviews, using his voice to break stigma and inspire hope.

💬 “I now volunteer with GDAS, supporting people who are still using drugs and alcohol, helping them with their recovery. I deliver naloxone training with other peers. Recovery for me is having a sense of purpose back, it’s the best thing I did. I got my life back.”

We’re grateful for people like Michael, whose honesty, courage, and commitment make recovery visible and possible. 💛



fans