Press Release

After more than 50 years of supporting individuals, families and communities across West Dunbartonshire, DACA is entering a new chapter with the launch of DACA Connections.

While many local people will know the organisation by its original name, Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol, DACA Connections represents a broader and more inclusive future — one that builds on the organisation’s long-standing expertise in counselling, emotional wellbeing and community support.

The launch follows significant changes to local service commissioning arrangements, which resulted in DACA no longer delivering the area’s commissioned community alcohol service. However, rather than marking an ending, the organisation says the change has created an important opportunity to evolve and widen access to the high-quality counselling support it has provided for decades.

DACA has supported generations of local people since the 1970s and has played a major role in developing counselling services and counsellor training within the local community. Over the years, the organisation has trained and supervised hundreds of counsellors and student placements, while providing compassionate and professional support to thousands of individuals.

Under the new DACA Connections identity, the organisation will expand its focus beyond alcohol-related issues alone, offering counselling and wellbeing support for a wider range of life challenges and harmful or self-limiting behaviours. The new approach is designed to ensure that people can access support earlier, more easily, and without stigma.

David Wilson, DACA’s Chairman said:

“For over 50 years, DACA has stood alongside people during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. While the loss of our commissioned alcohol service was undoubtedly significant, it also gave us the opportunity to reflect on where our skills, experience and values can make the greatest difference in the future.

“DACA Connections is about building on that legacy — not leaving it behind. We know that many people in our communities are struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, isolation, addiction, loss of confidence and other challenges that can affect wellbeing and quality of life. Our aim is to make high-quality counselling, coaching and emotional support available to a broader audience in a way that feels welcoming, accessible and empowering.”

The charity is currently developing new services, partnerships and digital platforms that will allow people to access information, self-refer for support and connect with wider wellbeing opportunities within the community.

DACA says it remains deeply committed to West Dunbartonshire and hopes the new model will help secure a sustainable future for an organisation that has been part of the area’s social fabric for half a century.

Further announcements about services and community initiatives will be made in the coming months.