Issue - meetings

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to endorse the content of the report and support the Somerset Drug & Alcohol Partnership focus areas for 2024-25:

1.    Targeting and supporting people who are using alcohol to problematic levels and not accessing treatment.

2.    Targeting people within the criminal justice system who have a treatment need but who are not engaged in treatment.

3.    Reaching the Continuity of Care target of 47% (people successfully transitioning from custody-based treatment to community treatment).

4.    Piloting a local detoxification initiative.

5.    Evolving lived experience initiatives.

6.    Raising awareness of Recovery support in all communities.

7.    Developing a multi-agency Drug and Alcohol Deaths review process.

8.    Implementing the Local Drug Intelligence System (LDIS) to facilitate a prompt response to any contaminated drugs in Somerset.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, introduced the report. Cllr Revans highlighted the important work going on at Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service/Turning Point and the moving power of the peer-supported graduation he attended in his role as Lead Member for Public Health. Cllr Revans proceeded to invite Alison Bell, Consultant in Public Health, to speak.

Alison Bell explained the national context, the funding situation, and local statistics.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from Committee Members and other Members present. Questions and points raised included: what provision was available for under 18s in relation to alcohol; how can councillors support this work; the possibility for working with local businesses to support this work; data regarding protected characteristics such as people with care experience; incorporating family safeguarding and a prevention approach; placements for alcohol detoxification; the skills gap in NHS care for addiction; the importance of partnership working; data on opiate use; the work ongoing with people leaving prison.

The Leader of the Council concluded the discussion and proceeded to a vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to endorse the content of the report and support the Somerset Drug & Alcohol Partnership focus areas for 2024-25:

1.    Targeting and supporting people who are using alcohol to problematic levels and not accessing treatment.

2.    Targeting people within the criminal justice system who have a treatment need but who are not engaged in treatment.

3.    Reaching the Continuity of Care target of 47% (people successfully transitioning from custody-based treatment to community treatment).

4.    Piloting a local detoxification initiative.

5.    Evolving lived experience initiatives.

6.    Raising awareness of Recovery support in all communities.

7.    Developing a multi-agency Drug and Alcohol Deaths review process.

8.    Implementing the Local Drug Intelligence System (LDIS) to facilitate a prompt response to any contaminated drugs in Somerset.