Substance Misuse Stakeholder Reference Group - Inaugural Meeting

We are inviting third sector organisations and community groups across Cardiff to the inaugural Substance Misuse Stakeholder Reference Group meeting, a new forum designed to strengthen collaboration, influence, and support across the sector.

Building on the findings from the C3SC’s Community Pathways: Substance Misuse programme, the Stakeholder Reference Group is intended as a space where your insight, experience, and the voices of people with lived experience can shape how services are designed, commissioned, and delivered.

Third sector organisations play a vital role in substance misuse support, bringing frontline insight, innovation, and strong connections to communities. The Substance Misuse Stakeholder Reference Group is intended to strengthen this collective role and ensure community perspectives meaningfully influence how services are shaped.

The group will focus on three core areas:

Shaping future development:

• Identify priorities emerging from frontline work and the small grants programme.

• Explore solutions and new projects that could be developed or expanded.

• Highlight the support organisations need to strengthen and sustain their work.

Joint advocacy and influencing services:

• Develop shared positions on key issues affecting substance misuse support.

• Provide coordinated input to commissioners and statutory partners.

• Ensure lived experience and community insight inform strategic and operational decisions.

Building organisational capacity and collaboration:

• Access training, guidance, and shared resources.

• Take part in peer learning and collaborative opportunities.

• Strengthen networks, knowledge sharing, and sector sustainability.

The first meeting will focus on establishing how the Reference Group should operate and what it should prioritise. We want to hear your views on:

• Structure and meeting frequency that would be most useful for your organisation.

• Key priorities you have identified through frontline work.

• Support you need from C3SC, including training, funding guidance, peer learning opportunities, or other resources.

• New projects or volunteering opportunities that C3SC should consider developing.

By joining the Substance Misuse Stakeholder Reference Group, you will have:

• A platform to influence how services are commissioned and delivered in Cardiff.

• Opportunities to collaborate with other organisations.

• Access to peer learning, support, and shared resources.

• A stronger collective voice to inform statutory decision-making.

We believe this group can make a real difference in ensuring substance misuse services in Cardiff respond to community needs and are informed by those who understand what works at the frontline.

Attendance is free, but places must be booked in advance.

Registered attendees will receive a documentation pack, including:

• A summary of Community Pathways: Substance Misuse project findings.

• Proposed aims and structure for the Reference Group.

• A draft agenda for the inaugural meeting.

Free parking will be available at the venue, and refreshments will be provided.

Should you have any questions about this event, please contact: [email protected]. We look forward to working with you to strengthen substance misuse support across Cardiff.

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Host or Publisher Cardiff Third Sector Council C3SC