Kaleidoscope

01/01/2026

Welcome 2026 👋

As we step into the new year, Kaleidoscope’s mission is simple: we will meet people where they are, with compassion and without judgment.

We want to continue walking alongside people on their journey, at their pace, in their community.

💜 Every life matters. Every story counts. This year, we’ll continue to support people in the ways they need most, building hope, trust, and brighter futures together.

30/12/2025

Fifty years abstaining from alcohol, what an incredible milestone for Welsh icon Sir Anthony Hopkins.

His story shows that harm reduction looks different for everyone.

For some, it’s safer drug and alcohol use. For others, it’s stopping altogether.

Kaleidoscope supports every path that helps people stay safer and healthier, based on what they choose is best for them.



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The Oscar-winning actor, 87, says he realised he needed help after driving a car while drunk.

25/12/2025

From our tree to yours, Happy Christmas from Kaleidoscope.

Meeting people where they are. Every life matters. Every story counts.

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24/12/2025

Christmas Eve is here 🎄

For many, this season can bring mixed emotions. Some may struggle with alcohol or drug use, while others in recovery might feel conflicted. Added pressures, expectations, time constraints, and financial burdens, can increase stress and anxiety.

💡 Being prepared for those feelings can make a difference.

Here are some helpful tips if you’re finding things difficult over the Christmas period:

🔸 Be mindful of triggers and try to reduce unnecessary stressors
🔸 Plan ahead, preparation can ease pressure
🔸 Use thought‑stopping techniques to break difficult thought cycles
🔸 Call a trusted friend, family member, peer, or mentor
🔸 Have an exit strategy, it’s okay to leave early or say no
🔸 Set your own schedule and limit time in stressful situations
🔸 Notice your thoughts and feelings, and do something you enjoy
🔸 Practice self‑care, know your boundaries and plan for challenges
🔸 Shift your focus to the present: try a gratitude list or journaling
🔸 Try daily meditation or mindfulness techniques
🔸 Practice self‑forgiveness, healing yourself is the first step



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23/12/2025

Shout out to Lucy and guitarist Mick for their fun and festive set last week, at our Colleague Awards. Recognising our colleagues, Peers and Volunteers is important us.

Thank you to you both!

Follow Lucy here: Lucy That Sings

23/12/2025

23/12/2025

We know the festive season can be challenging for many people who use our services and beyond. This time of year can feel overwhelming and isn’t always “the most wonderful time of the year.”

💙 Check in on your friends, family, and neighbours, a small gesture can make a big difference.

💙 Take care of yourself and remember it’s okay to reach out and talk to someone you trust if you need support.

📞 DAN 24/7 - Wales Drug & Alcohol Helpline is available throughout weekends and Bank Holidays.
📞 Samaritans Cymru are also here to listen and offer support.

✨ Here are some simple ideas for self‑care this festive period…

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23/12/2025

22/12/2025

Following on from Welsh Overdose Awareness Day, we’re keeping the focus on what truly saves lives: connection, compassion, and community.

Preventing overdose is not only about services, it’s about people standing alongside each other. Peer support, lived and living experience, and community groups are at the heart of our work.

At GDAS - Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service, Peer Curtis reminds us that those who’ve walked the path bring unique insight and strength. Their voices shape safer spaces, build trust, and show that recovery and resilience are possible.

Curtis talks about how Peer work and groups can help prevent overdose.



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22/12/2025

21/12/2025

As we continue highlighting what Kaleidoscope does to help prevent overdose, today’s focus is on how we support prison leavers, ensuring people have the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives safely.

Our teams:

🔹 Provide harm reduction advice and Naloxone on release
🔹 Offer peer and professional support to ease the transition back into the community 🔹 Connect individuals to housing, healthcare, and treatment services
🔹 Build trust and stability to reduce risks and promote recovery

🚪 Leaving prison can be a vulnerable time, but with the right support, it can also be a turning point.

Emma Clark, Service Manager, shares how Kaleidoscope works with prison leavers to prevent overdose and create pathways to hope.

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20/12/2025

As we continue highlighting what Kaleidoscope does to help prevent overdose, today’s focus is on our Overdose Predictor Tool, an innovative way of using data to save lives.

Our tool:
🔹 Identifies individuals most at risk of overdose
🔹 Uses real‑time information to flag early warning signs
🔹 Helps our teams prioritise support and outreach
🔹 Guides interventions that connect people to treatment, housing, and healthcare

📊 By combining data with compassion, the Overdose Predictor Tool ensures that help reaches those who need it most, before crisis strikes.

David McNeil, Data Manager, shares why this tool is such a vital part of our overdose prevention work.



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