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29 June 2023

Forward awarded contract for new recovery service in three Welsh prisons

The Forward Trust is thrilled to announce it has been awarded the contract to deliver a new 12-step recovery programme in HMPs Berwyn, Cardiff and Swansea.

The programme will be called Y Bont, which means ‘The Bridge’ in Welsh. Y Bont is a 12-week substance misuse treatment programme which supports individuals in their journey to recovery and offers tools to maintain long-term abstinence.

The service, which went live on 12th June 2023, will provide additional support for people in these prisons who are struggling with substance misuse, building on the fantastic existing work being done by the Dyfodol and Betsi Cadwaladr teams.

Y Bont is based on the 12-Step model, but with additional elements. Service users will have the chance to learn useful coping skills and receive guidance to make real changes. Some of the reasons why we often find it hard to change – even when we want to – are explored, along with strategies for maintaining abstinence and creating different, less destructive, behaviour patterns.

Tracey Owen, Head of Reducing Reoffending for Probation in Wales, said:

“HMPPS in Wales is committed to supporting recovery for those with substance misuse issues. We welcome working with Forward Trust in providing their service for offenders in our drug recovery wings and helping them to maintain abstinence after their release into the community.”

Forward Trust CEO Mike Trace said: “I am absolutely delighted that Forward have been awarded this contract. It is great that HMPPS Wales are taking a lead in developing these much needed 12-step recovery programmes in prisons and have asked Forward to work with them to deliver this life changing work.”

For more information about this or any of our services, please contact communications@forwardtrust.org.uk.