The next elections to Senedd Cymru – the Welsh Parliament – will be on 7 May 2026 and will decide the direction of public policy in Wales for the next four years. Whoever forms the next Welsh Government will be responsible for devolved powers over health and social care, public health, and many other fields in which alcohol has an impact.
That’s why Adfam, Adferiad, Alcohol Change UK, Barod and Kaleidoscope have come together to call on Members of the next Senedd, from all parties, to make reducing alcohol harm a priority. You can read more about our policy proposals here. In this blog, we’ve invited representatives of our partner charities to talk briefly about some of the issues.
Alcohol issues are often rooted in trauma. Rob Barker from Barod sets out why compassionate and respectful approaches are so important:
"Evidence in Wales suggests there is a significant number of people that have experienced traumatic episodes. If they access treatment, wherever they live in Wales, it is vital services adhere to the Trauma-informed Wales Framework and deliver a coherent and consistent approach. Services should have policies and procedures in place that ensure they do not retraumatise people, and that they provide an environment that allows people to succeed and flourish.
The language we use to talk with, and about, people affected by alcohol use must be chosen with care, and create a culture of dignity, inclusion, and hope. For too long, inappropriate, judgemental and inhumane language has contributed to marginalising people affected by alcohol use. This kind of language alienates people and denies their humanity.
It is time to move away from derogatory words that inflict additional psychological harm, and instead use compassionate language that banishes stigma; and our politicians can take the lead on this."
Dean Cawsey from Adferiad explains why issues of mental health and substance use must be addressed together:
"All too often, too many people with multiple needs are advised that one must be treated before the other, forcing them to navigate two or more different systems. This results in duplication, delays, and preventable crises. It’s why we need to do more to integrate mental health and substance use services.
The need for co-ordinated, open access, same-day support is more urgent and relevant than ever. In 2023-24, almost three-quarters (72%) of adults starting treatment for substance use said they also had a mental health need. An earlier national review in Wales found that people “bounced around” between mental health and substance use services, and experienced long waits for detox, rehab and counselling services.
We are calling on the next Welsh Government to integrate the services accessed by people with complex needs – offering people co-occurring services for co-occurring needs; services which work together; and a simplified, streamlined pathway."
Rondine Molinaro of Kaleidoscope emphasises the need for services to actively reach out to many of the most vulnerable people:
"People who use alcohol do not always feel able to get themselves to a treatment centre. The reasons may include lack of transport, mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, work responsibilities, fear of judgement, unrealistic appointment times, homelessness, polydrug use, or a host of other barriers. That's why providers need to deliver an assertive outreach offer. That means taking treatment to the individual – providing opportunities for access, stabilisation, co-ordination, and onward signposting.
There are many ways to reach people: community outreach nurses providing alcohol home detox, multi-disciplinary teams providing street-based support to rough-sleepers, health inclusion teams working with community substance use providers, and mobile outreach vehicles.
Often seen as an add-on to traditional provision, assertive outreach initiatives should be an integral part of the treatment landscape, with sufficient funding to ensure equitable access for all."
Rob Stebbings from Adfam highlights why alcohol support needs to include children and families too:
"Alcohol harm has wide-ranging consequences, and the evidence is clear: its impacts extend far beyond the individual – profoundly affecting children, families, and entire communities. For many young people, growing up in an environment shaped by alcohol harm can lead to long-term emotional, social, and psychological challenges; and adult family members face these challenges too. Yet, despite the scale and seriousness of these effects, the support available to families is often limited and inconsistent.
The national Quality Standards for supporting those affected by another person’s substance use are not consistently applied, resulting in significant gaps and inequalities in provision. As a result, many children and families are left without the help they need. We’re making the case for placing children and families at the heart of policy and practice, ensuring they are supported to thrive, free from fear, anxiety, and stigma."
Conclusion
These are just some of the topics that we’ll be seeking to raise with Members of the Senedd over the next four years. We’ll also be making the case for better support for people with alcohol-related brain damage, greater access to safe in-patient detox, and more joint working between alcohol services and domestic abuse services. Because we believe a safer, healthier future is possible for Wales.
Find out more about our partner charities:
