Cwtch also focuses on supporting the professionals around these individuals to ensure they’re thinking and responding in trauma-informed ways, as well as supporting them to reduce levels of burnout and compassion fatigue. 

It was identified within Western Bay that many individuals who use drugs and alcohol, also experience difficulties with their mental health, and it is not always possible to access to psychological support for this whilst still using substances. Platfform therefore proposed a trauma informed mental health support hub for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs across Western Bay.   

Co-production has been at the heart of the service, from service development through to implementing the service delivery. During the service design phase, 15 people with lived experience were consulted to gain insight into what they need from a mental health and substance use service, and where the current gaps are in provision. 

People spoke about the need for the service to be human and trauma informed. This looks like a service that is “transparent”, “real” and “consistent” within its approach. It is important that our offers are consistent, as is the support and that we are reliable.  People spoke about a need for the service to be focused on relationships and connections both within and across services.  There is a need to be flexible and understand that people will be more or less able to access our service on different days and depending on their circumstances.   

From conversations with people who have accessed substance use services previously, the priority for people in their recovery journey is on creating a community and environment where people feel a sense of purpose, belonging and connection.  Connecting people into the community to help them feel like they belong, feel less isolated and stigmatised, and have a sense of purpose is something that everyone spoke about as being important.   

As a result, we have set up open access community drop-in coffee session, walks and wild swims. At the community level, this allows for opportunities for connection, building a community and creating a sense of belonging. For those who still wish to make sense of what has happened to them, we also offer counselling and psychological therapies alongside our community offer.