VERVE

VERVE is a drug and alcohol support service delivered by an alliance of charities made up of Adferiad, Barod, Kaleidoscope, and The Wallich. With one clear route into the service regardless of the type or level of support needed, people can access a wide-ranging service that welcomes everyone without judgement. We take time to listen and understand each person’s circumstances and work alongside them to reduce harm and achieve the goals that matter to them. VERVE works closely with other local services, allowing individuals to easily move between VERVE and other support in their community.

VERVE supports people of all ages across Neath Port Talbot and Swansea, with children and young people aged 25 and under offered safe and age-appropriate support separately from adults. VERVE offers dedicated drug and alcohol support to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and people at different stages of the criminal justice system, with support adapted to their specific circumstances and needs. We also recognise that drug and alcohol use can affect families and those close to the person, so support is available to them too.

Whether someone’s goal is to reduce or stop their drug or alcohol use, or maintain changes they have already made, we start with what each person wants to achieve and agree on the next steps together, working on setting goals for an ambitious future. As people’s needs change, they can move between types and levels of support based on their circumstances.

Support can include:

• Tailored one-to-one interventions
• Structured group sessions and peer support
• Advice on safer drug and alcohol use, reducing harm, and preventing overdose
• Needle and syringe services (NSP), including sterile equipment and safe disposal
• Blood-borne virus (BBV) screening, including dry blood spot testing (DBST)
• Practical ways to manage cravings, recognise triggers and maintain changes
• Support for families and others affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use
• Help to access mutual aid groups and other health and community services
• Support with abstinence and recovery

Individuals can access the service by contacting the VERVE Single Point of Contact Team on 0300 7904044 or info@verve.cymru, or by completing our referral form at verve.cymru. Professional referrals from health and social care and criminal justice routes are also welcome.

Referrals are also accepted via the Barod Live Webchat service between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday – Friday. To access the Live Chat, visit barod.cymru and click ‘Chat Live’.

Our centres are open for drop-in between the hours of 9.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 5pm

Port Talbot:

• 46 Talbot Road, SA13 1HU

Neath:

• 15 Victoria Gardens, SA11 3AY (Adults)
• 30 Victoria Gardens, SA11 3BH (Youth)

Swansea:

• 73-74 Mansel Street, SA1 5TR (Adult)
• Info-Nation, 47 The Kingsway, SA1 5HG (Youth)

Commissioned by the Neath Port Talbot & Swansea Drug and Alcohol Leadership Board