Kaleidoscope’s Story
1968: Refuge in the Storm
Our story begins in Kingston upon Thames, 1968. Sex and drugs dominated youth culture, pubs shut at 11pm, and the streets buzzed with unrest. Kingston’s youth needed a safe haven. Enter Kaleidoscope.
Born from an urban church, we became a refuge where all were welcome: mods, rockers, teddy boys, hippies, even Hell’s Angels. Our name reflected the fractured yet vibrant youth culture—different pieces coming together to create something beautiful.
The Mission: Protect People
From day one, our mission was simple: protect people. We launched a clinic in the Minister’s office, offering treatment and advice without judgment. What started as a small service for club members soon grew, extending to the wider community amid both popularity and controversy.
By 1975, we’d outgrown our space. In 1977, a new building opened: red-brick church, hostel, and club combined.
Pioneering Change
We were groundbreaking, adopting harm reduction before it was widely accepted. We introduced methadone to help people stabilise their drug use. In 1986, we launched the UK’s first needle syringe exchange. We developed the first methadone dispensing service, removing waiting lists and getting people help fast.
Our influence spread overseas. We supported emerging drug services in Central and Eastern Europe and Asia, establishing the first needle syringe exchange in Calcutta and a methadone service in Kathmandu. Lives changed far beyond the UK.
Wales: A New Heart
The millennium brought dramatic change. In 2002, we were invited to start a service in Newport, which quickly became our operational heart. Within three months, 100 people were in treatment. Within a year, 500.
Today and Tomorrow
A New Era with a Nod to the Past
Since moving to Wales, we’ve become one of the UK’s leading substance misuse service providers. We run projects across the country and operate a 20-bed detox unit in the Wirral. Today, 240 staff support over 10,000 people annually.
We’re entering a new chapter. Martin Blakebrough has stepped down as CEO after 25 years of leadership. Rondine Molinaro, a 20-year Kaleidoscope veteran with deep experience in community drug and alcohol services, now leads us forward as a passionate advocate for service user rights.
The mission remains the same: protect people. The methods evolve, but the commitment never wavers.