An innovative project is helping drug and alcohol addicts from Neath and Portalbot to win the fight against substance misuse.
The DOMINO project, which stands for development of motivation in new outlooks, provides a variety of learning activities for recovering addicts.
One aspect of the new project which is becoming very popular is Neath Allotments.
Clients can visit the allotments twice a week to learn about growing vegetables and tending to the land or simply to share their experiences about drug and alcohol addictions.
The DOMINO project is part of activities by West Glamorgan Council for Drug and Alcohol Abuse, which has centres in Neath and Porttalbot.
One man who has been attending the abstinence programme at WGCADA for twelve weeks and who must remain anonymous, says the DOMINO project is giving him much needed support.
“I have been using WGCADA and the DOMINO project as my rehabilitation programme” says the Neath man, who is in his fifties.
“DOMINO is very motivating and there’s nobody pushing you to do anything” he said.
“It’s given me a clean, healthy life for the first time in 40 years.”
“At last my grand children are able to see their grand father sober.”
There are a range of ages attending the project with the youngest member aged 23 and the oldest 53.
Other courses organised by the project include an intensive computer course, where participants made their own computers, cookery classes and guitar lessons.
The project has around 30 regular members.
DOMINO project co-ordinator Bradley Fellows said the project caters for client at all stages of recovery.
He said: it’s all a big self-help group – they all help each other.
“We show clients a life without alcohol and drugs and give them new motivation.”
DOMINO has been running for three years in Neath and Porttalbot but five months ago the project was given extra funding to offer more activities. Mr Fellows said the feedback from client has been “amazing” and more courses were planned for the future. He went on to say his job was a very rewarding one for him.
“It’s more than a job to me – I’m very committed and passionate about the good DOMINO does.” He said.
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