How we can help
Drop ins
Open access drop-ins occur every Monday from 1pm – 4pm and every Friday from 10am – 1pm. These drop ins are designed to provide flexible, informal and non-judgmental support for those experiencing homelessness, substance misuse or mental health challenges. Drop ins are usually facilitated by a staff member and a volunteer but can sometimes include more than two people. We aim to offer a safe environment and welcome those in need of support. Most of the team have lived or living experience and utilise our knowledge and expertise to aid others through advice and guidance. In addition, activities are also arranged such as free haircuts, pizza and nail painting to encourage participation.
Working Groups
VAC’s Co-Production Lead and Peer Mentor help to arrange working groups with internal and external partners. As a collective, we are sometimes tasked with a specific agenda or goal which needs further input from healthcare providers. Therefore, we aim to co-create and produce work that benefits those involved. Generally, our working groups seek to;
- Improve client outcomes
- Encourage collaboration and communication
- Support problem solving and innovation
- Enhance efficiency and reduce duplication
Outreach
Proactively taking services, information or support to the people who need them is a vital part of service delivery. Voices Action Change recognise that some people have limited access to healthcare, be unaware of available services or might distrust them. One of our key features is making targeted efforts to promote, educate and share resources with others. Performing Outreach within Cardiff & Vale gives us the opportunity to learn from other services and provides a much smoother approach for co-production.
Service User feedback
We gather service user feedback with purpose, passion and perseverance. Representing people’s view is a vital part of our project and we can assist in highlighting their needs. This can include stories from clients, families, carers and service providers. We do this by creating surveys and collecting the data for reports. Feedback is represented back to our partners to ensure services are co-designing and co-producing with peers and not just engaging or consulting with them.
Harm Reduction Advice
Voices Action Change helps to share resources and information to those who are may not be aware of best practices. For example, this could include substance awareness, sexual health or mental health. In addition, we can signpost services users to other services. We help reduce risks, keep others informed and keep options for support open. Harm reduction involves meeting people where they’re at and it can help to save lives.
Do you want to get involved?
• Have you ever, or are you currently, using substance use services in Cardiff and the Vale?
• Are you a carer of someone in service?
• Are you a substance use service provider in Cardiff and the Vale?
• Are you a carer of someone in service?
• Are you a substance use service provider in Cardiff and the Vale?