Community is key

Community is key - Kaleidoscope

My career at Kaleidoscope spans three decades and as I look to step down from my leadership role I’ve reflected on what has happened in the field over that period. Kaleidoscope is a pioneering organisation – in its 55 years it has been at the forefront of advocating harm reduction, community support and systemic reform in drug policy. At the heart of the work is a deep commitment to empowering the most marginalised people in society and fostering positive change through innovative programmes.

Kaleidoscope was founded by my father in 1968 as a mission-based project, starting with a club on Friday nights supporting those in need. Growing up in this environment, I witnessed the challenges faced by people with mental health and substance issues firsthand. In 1993, following a stint as a pastor, I returned to Kaleidoscope, ready to lead the organisation alongside my sister.

In 1998 I took on the role of director, transforming Kaleidoscope into an indepen­dent charity. This enabled us to move from Kingston and locate where we could be the most effective in driving change. I was fortunate that Newport City Council, supported by the Welsh Government, invited us to provide a small service in the city and the wider Gwent area. Devolution in Wales led to ambitious plans for lasting social change, and I hoped to play a small part in this. The decision to relocate to Wales has meant that today Kaleidoscope is the largest provider of drug services in the country.

Community - KaleidoscopeWales is a country that sees substance use as something best addressed as a health issue, rather than one of criminal justice. The frustration is that Wales is still subject to the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, which means setting up enhanced harm reduction facilities and other health related support services remains difficult.

In the UK the support for people with drug and mental health issues has not noticeably improved. There is a growing number of people with complex issues who are either street homeless or in prison. I believe the UK sets individuals up to fail, especially those with complex needs. It’s not uncommon for people who have mental health issues to self-medicate through illicit drug use, as they cannot access support – and once they do medicate themselves, mental health services will not work with them.

‘I believe the UK sets individuals up to fail, especially those with complex needs’

In this chaos, the government benefits system expects people to self-manage their benefits and pay their rent. The immediate needs of addiction and finding inner peace are so acute that budgeting becomes impossible and people lose their accommodation. The failures of the current approach mean record deaths, which will continue to rise without real change. There are, however, reasons to feel some optimism.

The movement toward co-production – where services are designed and led by those using them – could drive through real change. Maybe we can move away from an over-reliance on commissioners towards a new system – either an alliance model as championed in Cardiff, where services come together to deliver, or one of multiple approved providers, allowing the service user to choose what’s best suited to their needs. With the rise of service user advocates fostering a peer-led approach that includes initiatives like naloxone peer-to-peer distribution, I feel there is real change in the air. I also believe there will shortly be safe injection facilities to reduce drug-related harm.

Kaleidoscope has always believed that what we must try to do is create community. I’m proud to see the drive for community hubs, service user-led cafes and an awareness of the value of sport, be it park runs or football. Social connection is critical, but particularly for people who can be isolated through an addiction issue or poor mental health. Creating community opportunities is key, and many services are now tapping into this.

Community is key
‘I hope service providers now focus on the people we are there to help rather than being in competition with each other’

I hope service providers now focus on the people we are there to help rather than being in competition with each other. In Wales there is a spirit of working together and in England I think partnerships fostered through Collective Voice give reasons to be more optimistic.

As for my future, I’ll always have Kaleidoscope in my heart and people who use drugs and alcohol in my soul. I have experienced so much love from the community of drug and alcohol users that the tie can never be broken.

Martin Blakebrough is chief executive of Kaleidoscope

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