GWENT'S new project to treat heroin addicts says it needs more funds - because it is being overwhelmed by demand for its services.

The Kaleidoscope Project has taken on 106 clients since it opened six weeks ago, with a further 62 expected to come on board by Christmas.

Kaleidoscope is only funded to treat 150, but clinical services manager Vicki Robathan said people from all over Gwent are turning to them for help, and they cannot refuse.

"We're going to have to apply for more funding," she said. "We're taking on a lot more people than we thought.

"The longer we are here the more people we realise are out there who want help.

"The majority are coming in under their own steam and if they've plucked up the courage to say 'help me', we can't turn them away."

She said they had laid on extra clinics to cover the reviews of existing clients to enable them to take on new ones at the same time.

The project was officially launched on November 21, with the aim of giving addicts access to methadone treatment as quickly as possible.

The waiting list for National Health treatment in Gwent has been as long as 18 months, but Kaleidoscope aims to start treating clients within days of them asking for help.

The Assembly has given the project £380,000 for one year.

Mrs Robathan said: "It's working really well and the good part is seeing people get their act together and get a life.

"When they first come in they can't see beyond their next fix, now they're talking about what they're doing for Christmas and asking us for a party.

"I'm so grateful to my staff. They've been working under so much pressure, but they're enjoying it because they're seeing results."

The project is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 8pm, and Saturdays from 11am to 6pm.

It will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, but clients will be provided with take-away doses for those times.

* Gwent Kaleidoscope Project is based at St Paul's Church, Commercial Street, Newport. For more information, you can call 01633 211001, or visit the website www.kaleidoscopeproject.org.uk