How services are working together to reduce harm
Tackling Alcohol and Drug Harm in Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire, like many other areas, has continued to experience a range of issues in relation to alcohol and drugs. Driven by concerns about the levels of harm being experienced by local people, partners established an independent Commission in 2019 to assess the true impact of alcohol and drugs in Renfrewshire. The commission builds on the extensive collaborative work already planned or undertaken by the Alcohol and Drug Partnership:
Establishment of an Overdose Response Team to provide a rapid response to near-fatal overdoses.
Enhanced access to residential rehabilitation placements as part of choice of treatment options.
Implementing the Medication Assisted Treatment Standards established by the National Drug Death Taskforce.
Recruitment of a dedicated ADP Drug Death prevention Officer, to work with partners to reduce drug-related deaths.
Focus on Assertive Outreach supported by a Harm Reduction Mobile Unit to provide health care and harm reduction services in communities.
We are working with the Alcohol and Drugs Programme Board to support delivery of some of the Alcohol and Drug Commission's recommendations, including:
Developing a programme to ensure services in Renfrewshire are trauma informed and responsive.
Further developing a peer support model to ensure recovery and lived experience is valued in Renfrewshire.
Recruiting a partnership officer to change alcohol policy.
Carrying out an independent review of existing family support provision to identify gaps in support for families of people in crisis.
Aiming to develop wrap around support for people with complex needs who potentially need support from different services and organisations.
Developing a Language Matters Initiative to help challenge preconceptions and stigma around alcohol and drug use.
There were 67 drug-related deaths in Renfrewshire during 2020, this is the highest number in a decade and an increase of 49% compared to 2019. These, and recent alcohol-related death statistics, make clear the critical importance of the continued delivery of the above areas to achieve positive outcomes in relation to alcohol and drugs. This is a priority for all Community Planning Partners.
Next section:
Our Strategic Themes and Health and Wellbeing Priorities
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