Community of Practice (FINAL)

LEPH 2023

Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS): A Spotlight Series

This spotlight report highlights the fantastic work of Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS) in implementing the Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (TrACE) - informed Organisational Toolkit. As a consortium organisation, GDAS provide substance use support across Gwent and this spotlight highlights this journey, focussing on their vision, their approach to embedding the TrACE - informed Organisational Toolkit and how the Toolkit has assisted them to make positive changes in their commitment to becoming a TrACE - informed organisation.

GDAS are committed to applying a trauma-informed lens in all areas of their work and this spotlight can be used as a helpful resource for all organisations embarking on their TrACE journey.

Understanding the Health Needs of Women at Risk of Entering the Criminal Justice System in North Wales

This study investigates the healthcare needs, barriers to access, and the role of unmet health needs for women in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system. The research focuses on the first-hand experiences of women in North Wales, prior to any involvement with the criminal justice system in relation to their primary health needs (mental and physical health), using a mixed-methods approach including a focus group, questionnaires, and interviews.

The report’s recommendations focus on addressing barriers to healthcare access, prioritising early intervention and preventative healthcare, implementing trauma-informed and gender specific areas, expanding and integrating community-based services, streamlining, and improving service pathways and promoting further data collection and research in this area to fill existing gaps in knowledge and understanding in this area.