Agenda item

The Director of Public Health submits a report providing an update on drug and alcohol services in Leicester.

The Public Health Consultant presented the report, and it was noted that:

·       There are high numbers of individuals who are not in treatment for both drug and alcohol use. Those who are in treatment often have complex needs that require additional support.

·       A large proportion of the local population do not drink but there is a disproportionate impact on people who do. There is a high rate of hospital admissions and deaths.

·       Success of recovery is more likely when supported by individuals with lived experience – peer mentors and support groups are therefore utilised in recovery journeys.

·       Turning Point provide the largest contracted support for treatment and recovery in the city. Other support is provided at No5 which is the only wet centre in the country and often recognised as such. Unity house also provides supported accommodation for abstinent individuals moving back into the community and an inpatient detoxification unit is provided in Nottingham to provide support to individuals usually over ten days to safely reduce or stop their substance use. There are additional services provided by health partners for individuals who also have a mental health condition.

·       Funding for treatment has been significantly reduced nationally over then last ten years but Leicester continues to be an area with greatest need. Government funding (in addition to core public health funding) is secured to support initiatives until 2025 - with no further commitment currently beyond 2025.

·       National policy has altered with a shift to punishing individuals for recreational drug use which can create barriers to accessing treatment.

·       A combined drug and alcohol strategy has been developed which includes governance structures and task and finish groups. Current plans include identifying priorities for utilising funding and providing evidence to plan for possible future scenarios if funding is reduced. 

In response to questions and comments from Members, it was noted that:

·       Treatment is available but individuals may access sporadically, may not want support or may be unaware they need support. The service work with individuals, families and communities to break down barriers to accessing treatment. An article was reported in the national drugs bulletin on reaching out to different communities and agreed to be circulated.

·       Evaluation of the No5 Wet Centre outcomes and achievements will be explored by officers.

·       Indicators around drugs can be difficult to measure against as success is defined as being abstinent which is not accurate for all individuals as some may aim to reach a maintenance level. Leicester performs worse than others on this indicator as individuals are likely to have high complexity of need and Turning Point have high caseloads. The indicator is being changed nationally to monitor progress during treatment rather than just abstinence.

·       The inpatient detoxification unit located in Nottingham is commissioned and funded by the NHS for people across the Midlands area to access. The current government grant funding for drug and alcohol services is only confirmed until 2025 and usually provided on an annual basis limiting forward planning and commitment for additional units in different locations.

·       Families known to social care where a parent is identified to have a drug or alcohol addiction will have a referral made and expected to access treatment with relevant safeguarding plans for the child(ren).

·       Deaths associated to alcohol is higher than the national average as a deprived city individuals who drink less are likely to suffer more harm and have higher complexity of needs.

AGREED:

·       The Commission noted the report.

·       Additional information be circulated.

·       Item to remain on the work programme.