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Effective implementation is challenge for new drugs strategy, says SDF Chair
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15 December 2008
EFFECTIVE implementation of the new
Scottish Drugs strategy will be the challenge now for tackling Scotland's drugs problem, Scottish Drugs Forum Chair Anne Thomson says in
SDF's Annual Report for 2007-2008.
The strategy has been a "highly important milestone" in terms of how Scotland should be working to address the country's enormous drug problem, especially with its strong emphasis on:
- recovery
- the need to make treatment more person-centred
- the focus on early intervention
- supporting people with a wider range of help - including access to education and training, family support and housing.
"These are issues which Scottish Drugs Forum has long advocated as being essential for the development of effective responses for people in need and it is gratifying that they have been so ably articulated in the strategy document. SDF members and staff should be proud of their contribution to this important debate, " she states.
However, effective implementation will be no small feat, with drug-related death in Scotland having doubled in the past decade, significant numbers of new Hepatitis C infections predicted among drug injectors, the likelihood of the current recession affecting public spending on services and employment opportunities for people leaving rehabilitation and the impact of welfare benefit reforms on drug users aand their families.
"What the new environment highlights is that we have to use existing funding allocated to tackling drug problems more wisely and effectively.
"We also have to draw in wider support from mainstream services to deal appropriately with people struggling to overcome a drugs problem and all the social difficulties which go with that.
"Equally, drug services should be open to and pro-active on the mainstream agenda, by creating healthier and more satisfying working links in important areas such as financial inclusion, housing and family support."
impressive
Meanwhile, David Liddell, SDF Director, said the range, depth and quality of work in which SDF is becoming involved grows steadily impressive, considering the relatively small size of the organisation and the demands placed upon it.
"One of the highlights of the year has been the national Herald Society newspaper awards won by our ground-breaking
Addiction Workers’ Training Project (AWTP). The project, which employs former drug and alcohol users to train for a career in social care, beat off tough competition to take the title of Best Practice Initiative and Commended in the Education Initiative category.
"This was the first time SDF has entered any competition of this kind and we are delighted – for funders, partner agencies, staff and students - that this hugely successful initiative has won the recognition it deserves."
SDF also recently undertook a detailed consultation with those working in the sector on how best to support them develop the quality of their services – an important area of work given the new challenges posed by the focus of the new drugs strategy.
SDF is now awaiting the outcome of its proposal to the Big Lottery to fund this strand of activity, said Mr Liddell.
You can
download Scottish Drugs Forum's Annual Report 2007-2008 here (PDF 111Kb)