voices
action
change
be the change
Do you want to make a difference in the way substance use services are delivered? Voices Action Change (VAC) empowers individuals and their loved ones affected by substance use, giving them a voice and a crucial role in shaping the delivery of services. Join us in creating a culture where service users are at the forefront of change
how you can get involved
Take part in our drop-ins
Meet the team and VAC Reps at our VAC Drop-ins every Mondays 1pm-4pm and Fridays 10am-1pm. You are welcome to come along and participate in discussions, feedback and find out more about VAC in person! We are based at St.John’s Church, CF10 1GJ.
ENGAGE IN CO-PRODUCTION
Collaborate with service providers, researchers and government officials for greater representation.
BECOME A VAC rEPRESENTATIVE (vac rep)
Join us as a VAC Representative, shaping services and advocating change by connecting with your community.
You can have the opportunity to share insights as an interview panellist, contribute to policy development, provide outreach support, co-facilitate training, and offer valuable recommendations in projects and steering groups.
Experience empowerment, peer support, personal growth, and make a difference.
SUPPORT US THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
You can find VAC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and keep up to date with the latest news, activities and events we have going on! Search Voices Action Change to find us.
Make sure to comment, like and most importantly share our content!
hAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD
common vac questions
Are you someone who has faced the challenges of substance use problems firsthand? Do you have a loved one who has experienced the impact of these struggles? Your voice matters, and we believe that your experiences hold the power to create positive change.
Welcome to the Voices Action Change Suggestion Box, an online form designed to empower individuals like you to drive transformation in substance use services. We understand that your perspective is unique and invaluable, and we want to provide a safe and anonymous space for you to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback.
Our suggestion box is a call to action—an invitation to be an agent of change. We believe that by coming together and amplifying your voices, we can shape the future of substance use services, ensuring they are responsive, compassionate, and effective.
Take action today. Share your insights, make your voice heard, and be a force for change. Together, we can create a brighter and healthier future for all.
What training and support is available?
Elevate your impact: You can receive full-day VAC Rep training, regular check-ins, and access to CAVDAS training programs.
Do I need to be ‘stable’ to contribute?
Although we ask that you don’t attend VAC events under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs, we are here for you at any stage of your journey and will support and empower you in any way we can.
Do I need to be currently using services to contribute?
No, we have family members as VAC Reps and always find it really valuable to have different perspectives on the way services are provided and managed.
What is the steering group and who sits on it?
A steering group provides support, advice and guidance to the direction of different larger projects. A current example of this is the CAU improvement project, in which VAC Reps are informed, consulted and asked for advice at every stage. A team of VAC Reps sit in on these groups, along with members of the project’s improvement team and other relevant staff members.