\n Newport council has a specialist programme to address what are termed co-occurring issues putting people at increased risk such as misusing drug or alcohol while also being mentally unwell or issues such as homelessness.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n But Dr Liz Andrew, a consultant clinical psychologist for Gwent\u2019s Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said the service is only funded in the city and hasn\u2019t yet been expanded to other councils, though it is being considered in Caerphilly.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n She was speaking at a meeting of Monmouthshire County Council<\/a>\u2019s public services committee where staff from mental health charity Mind, which works across Gwent, outlined a number of barriers people in mental distress experience while trying to access support, including if they are using alcohol or other drugs.\n<\/p>\n \n In Newport the health board funds the COG service with the city council to support people who could be those using drugs and alcohol, those who are homeless or members of staff who may have \u201ctoo much shame\u201d to seek help otherwise, said Dr Anderew.\n<\/p>\n \n Warning suicidal people can be denied support due to drugs or alcohol use<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n ‘We are a chubby community’, locals respond after famous \u2018gymfluencer’ slams town<\/a>\n<\/p>\n