13/01/2015 - Permalink

Reminder for residents to take part in countywide consultation on drugs and alcohol service

Related topics: Community / Health

People living in Shropshire still have time to have their say on proposals to change the way drug and alcohol services are delivered to better serve those who need them.

The consultation is seeking the views of local residents on a proposed single drug and alcohol service for Shropshire that aims to:

  • Place a greater focus on long term recovery
  • Put more responsibility on individuals to own their recovery
  • Support families affected by drug and/or alcohol misuse.

Currently drug and alcohol services are provided through a number of organisations.

The proposals for bringing the two services together will ensure that everyone gets the help they need, when they need it, regardless of whether they have a drug or alcohol problem.

The number of people who need help for drug misuse is relatively small when compared to those who become dependent on alcohol.  Because of how the current system is delivered some people have to wait longer for alcohol services than they should.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:

“One of our key priorities at Shropshire Council, is to ensure that everyone has the access to the support they need to live long, satisfying lives.

“The purpose of this consultation is to help us improve our current drugs and alcohol service.  A key goal of the new service is to enable people who misuse drugs or alcohol to be free from dependence.  We believe by bringing drug and alcohol services together we can support people better.

“I really want to encourage those, whether you use the service, or you are a parent, partner or friend of someone who is misusing drugs and alcohol, to take part in our survey and help us shape the new drug and alcohol service.

“We are keen to hear your views on the proposed simplified model and what we can do to make local services more responsive to individuals’ needs.”

To get involved you can complete an online survey by going onto the Shropshire Council homepage and clicking on Get Involved, Drug and Alcohol services.   If you require a hardcopy email gavin.hogarth@shropshire.gov.uk at or call 01743 253982.

Deadline for submissions is 6 February 2015.