SPOTLIGHT
COMMUNITY IS KEY
Martin Blakebrough looks back on 30 years of supporting people with drug , alcohol and mental health issues – and forward to what the sector should focus on next
M
y 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 missionbased 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 .
Wales 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 .
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 coproduction – 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 peerto-peer distribution , I feel there is real change in the air . I also believe there will shortly be safe injection facilities to reduce drugrelated 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
Wales is a country that sees substance use as something best addressed as a health issue , rather than one of criminal justice .
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 .
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 been broken .
Martin Blakebrough is chief executive of Kaleidoscope
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