Groupe A de Cassis - Lacaz A

Groupe A de Cassis - Lacaz A is an association dedicated to providing comprehensive support and services to various vulnerable groups, including people living with HIV, sex workers, individuals with drug dependencies, patients on methadone treatment, homeless individuals, and former inmates. Our primary efforts focus on conducting prevention campaigns and offering a welcoming environment where these individuals can receive ongoing support to help them reintegrate into society.

 

Additionally, we run specialised programmes for children and adolescents, focusing on life skills development. These programmes are designed to empower young individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead healthy, productive lives.

 

Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion Foundation: N/1134

Services offered

Following the evaluation of several aggressive campaigns conducted by Groupe A de Cassis within different communities, the idea to establish a Day Reception Centre, Lacaz A, was conceived. This centre offers the following services:

 

  • Reception and support services:

Lacaz A provides a welcoming space for people living with HIV (PLHIV), sex workers, individuals with drug dependencies (including alcohol), patients on methadone treatment, former inmates, and homeless individuals. The services offered include laundry, meals, tea, bathing facilities, listening and counselling, clothing, and referrals to other centres if necessary.

 

Additionally, through the SEL (Solidarité, Epanouissement, Libération) programme, support is extended to parents of children who are PLHIV, sex workers, drug-dependent individuals (including alcohol), those on methadone treatment, former inmates, and homeless individuals. These parents meet every Thursday and participate in residential empowerment weekends. They also receive home, hospital, and prison visits. A parent support group is available daily at Lacaz A.

 

  • Cazado programme:

Young adolescents and students are trained through a Life Skills Management programme, focusing on themes such as growth, self-esteem, recognizing one's abilities, and being a positive peer. They meet every Monday and participate in residential weekends focused on HIV/AIDS awareness, the dangers of drug use, and other activities.

 

  • Zenfan Béni programme:

This programme involves a group of about fifty children aged five to twelve years, whose parents are PLHIV, sex workers, former inmates, and homeless individuals.

 

  • Methadone substitution treatment centre:

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, Lacaz A serves as a referral centre for methadone substitution treatment, ensuring the psycho-social support of our clients.

History

Groupe A (Amour, Accueil) de Cassis, a registered non-governmental organisation, has been fighting against drug addiction for 25 years in Cassis and surrounding areas. Some of its members have been active since the late 1970s. The group has also been involved in the detoxification and rehabilitation of individuals with drug dependencies.

 

Lacaz A was a pioneer in establishing centres addressing drug dependency issues, such as the CATR (Centre d’Accueil de Terre-Rouge), CDS (Centre de Solidarité), Centre Lotus in the prison, Groupe Elan, CUT (Collectif Urgence Toxida), and the Ste Gabriel centre in Rodrigues.

 

The group has always been recognised for its advocacy and strong stances on these issues.

Objectives

Groupe A de Cassis/Lacaz A is dedicated to serving humanity in all its dimensions. Our primary objective is to provide humanitarian services that emphasise the value of each individual, respecting and rehabilitating beneficiaries so they can make meaningful changes in their lives.

  • Mission:
    To offer a service free from preconceived judgments, fostering good interpersonal and friendly relationships over time.
  • Objective:
    To restore human dignity and help individuals discover the joy of living a healthy life.
Main achievements

Anti-DAVIS Campaign: A comprehensive prevention campaign in the community addressing various themes:

  • D: Drug Abuse
  • A: Alcohol Abuse
  • V: Violence
  • I: Indifference
  • S: AIDS

 

The association engages the community and schools through talks, theatre performances, music, songs, concerts, and vigils, effectively raising awareness and promoting prevention.

 

The establishment of Lacaz A, a day reception centre, marks a significant achievement in providing a welcoming and supportive environment for vulnerable individuals in need of assistance and rehabilitation.

Sources of funding

Groupe A de Cassis/Lacaz A is actively seeking CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funding.

Number of Beneficiaries:

  • SEL: 500 parents
  • CAZADO: 20 to 30 young people every Monday
  • ZANFAN BENI: Around 30 children
  • VIVA: 10-15 people living with HIV (PLHIV)
  • LACAZ A: 30 people per day