New £18m fund to support drugs services
Organisations in Renfrewshire which support those living with addiciton can now apply for a share of £18million funds announced by the Scottish Government.
The four separate funds have been announced to help support improvements to drugs services across all local authorities in Scotland.
Coming from the additional £250 million announced by the First Minister to tackle the drug deaths emergency over the next five years, applications are open to not-for-profit organisations working in the drugs sector, including Integration Authorities, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, third sector organisations and grassroots/ community organisations.
Each scheme will run for five years, and multi-year funding will be available with grants awarded on a rolling basis.
The funds are: a £5million Local Support Fund (previously referred to as a Communities Fund) to increase capacity in community and third sector organisations; a £5million Improvement Fund to improve outreach services, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare, with dedicated support for women; a £3million Families and Children Fund to support children, young people and families affected by drug use and a £5million Recovery Fund for additional residential rehabilitation capacity
Minister for Drugs Policy Angela Constance said:“These four funds will support the development of consistent treatment standards around the country and ensure more people can get access to services that can reduce harm, provide treatment and ultimately save their lives.
“We have said a national mission is needed to tackle the drug deaths emergency and this additional £250 million over the next five years will improve and increase services for people affected by drug addiction.
“These funds make more resources available to community and third sector organisations and offer support to families affected by drug use.
“As I have said before, we are determined, as part of our national mission, to make sure that people can access whatever treatment they feel is right for them in the right place at the right time.”