DOMINO: Development Of Motivation In New Outlooks

What is the Domino Project…..?

In a nutshell, Development Of Motivation In New Outlooks.

The Domino Project was established at WGCADA in 1997, and provides any recovering or chemically dependent individuals the opportunity to become part of a worthwhile and productive learning experience.

Whether working harm reduction, or trying to maintain abstinence from their drug of choice or even from all mood altering chemicals, the project allows them to become part of a friendly caring group irrespective of their circumstances to feel valued and worthwhile members of society despite the effects that their substance misuse maybe having on their lives.

Present Situation
The Domino Project, through addressing the needs of all those whose lives have been adversely affected by alcohol, drugs or quite often both, offers a variety of programmes including workshops and activities designed to develop and promote greater awareness of life without chemical dependency. Domino strives to be objective, non-judgemental, and caring in its approach, offering supportive interventions as part of the recovery process.

Domino is resourced via the National Assembly of Wales, and through their funding we are able to deliver Domino across the following areas: Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and also Bridgend.

One of the influencing factors associated with an addictive lifestyle is the sense of isolation experienced by both the user and family members. The Domino Project continues to address this issue by providing the opportunity to socialise within a structured environment.

The Project can be accessed by anyone living in Wales, whether they themselves are the substance misusers, or if they are family members of the substance misusers.

Clients referred to Domino from any referral pathways including self- referrals or referrals from other agencies are welcome to attend Domino activities in any area provided they have been assessed at WGCADA within the last 6 months.

How does the Client gain from the Domino Project…..?

The waiting list for other treatments such as the Pre Treatment, the Primary Abstinent Treatment Programmes or 1-1 Counselling, often have a waiting list of a couple of months, so rather than being left to their own devices during this period, the Domino Project can pick up these clients and start working harm reduction immediately.

The Domino activities are viewed as an integral part of the wider treatment programme offered by WGCADA.

Clients are encouraged to participate and build not only on their social skills,but also on their self-esteem, which in turn improves their emotional and physical health. Individuals are engaging in diversionary activities that remove them from pre-occupation with drug/alcohol issues. These skills include Socialising, Positive Thinking, Budgeting, IT Awareness, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety Issues and Nutrition etc.

The nutritional aspect offers the individual insight into the body’s requirements for sufficient maintenance. This in turn also highlights the harmful effects of other products such as drugs/alcohol on the body.

A healthy diet is essential for substance misusers that may have become undernourished as a direct result of their pre-occupation with their drug of choice. Healthy and nutritious food is not only important for the individual, but for significant family members. Many of our service users have children, therefore it is essential to promote the benefits of healthy eating in order to a maintain child development both physically and mentally.

All this is well and good, but maybe the most important thing of all is that structured classes are not only centred on basic skills like gaining a certificate in Horticulture, preparing a meal, or producing a C.V. etc. they also have an underlying aspect. Clients through working with others create positive networks. These networks act as a supportive and guiding element for clients, especially individual’s new to the service. It is important that clients start to feel a sense of independence in recovery, thus the implementation of skills learnt can be put in place once treatment comes to an end.

Individuals receive a certificate on completion of many of the classes, and it is an invaluable tool of empowerment, which may help to progress into further adult learning or employment. Through gaining specific knowledge on health, hygiene and safety issues, along with cost evaluation skills, at the very least clients are able to ensure the practicalities and needs of a healthy clean lifestyle.

NB. All Clients must be physically able to abstain from using illicit drugs or alcohol whilst attending any of the Domino Project activities for the duration of the activity. WGCADA reserve the right to refuse the client access to any of the above activities if abstinence is thought not to have been achieved.