The Safer Worcestershire Partnership, including Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Team and Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, is successfully addressing drug addiction in Worcestershire with impressive results.
Utilising funding from both the PCC and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), the partnership supports drug and alcohol treatment provider, Cranstoun.
During a recent visit to Cranstoun, partners witnessed the positive impact the collaboration is having on drug and alcohol users in the county.
The work delivered by Cranstoun is helping to reduce the isolation of drug users and support their journey towards reintegration into society. A key component of this effort is the use of Buvidal, a long lasting opiate substitute which reduces the craving for opiates and allows an individual to integrate back into society without having to attend daily administration of methodone. This enables them to build their lives back, taking on employment and reducing the likelihood of re-offending.
Research shows that patients receiving substitution therapy, like that provided with Buvidal, are more likely to stay in treatment and stop using heroin compared to treatments without substitutes.
Cranstoun’s comprehensive approach includes not just medication but also group sessions and counselling. The benefits of this holistic support include:
- Reduced negative associations (reduction in stigma)
- A sense of community and shared understanding
- Increased adherence to treatment plans
- Convenient access to support
- Reduced relapse rates and misuse
Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire, said: “This partnership is all about welding the gaps between agencies. People often have more than one issue, so we need to look at the systems, not just the separate services. By addressing multiple needs together, we can reduce costs to the NHS and improve overall health outcomes.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: “As Chair of the Combatting Drugs Partnership in West Mercia, I see all too often the damaging impact drugs have on users and the wider community.
“We know drug taking drives a wider system of organised crime so it’s vital that model of supply and demand is broken.
“Through the Safer Worcestershire project, partners are coming together to support Cranstoun’s life-changing work that helps to reduce crime, stop harm, and ultimately build safer communities.”
The team is now exploring more ways to ensure the number of people engaging in community treatment continues to increase.
For more information about the Safer Worcestershire Partnership and its initiatives, please visit Worcestershire County Council’s website: Community safety partnership arrangements | Worcestershire County Council
