New support strategy will improve lives

Addiction support staff, community-based services and leaders are teaming up to form a new partnership.

The Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) was reformed this autumn to help those in need across Argyll and Bute.

ADP, a strategic partnership in Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), has the job of preventing alcohol and drug problems and making sure people with alcohol and drug dependence get help to lead better quality lives.

This winter, the partnership’s main focus will be to develop an overarching strategy to provide leadership and direction for its work. Going out and talking to people affected by alcohol and drug substance use disorders will be its way of making sure priorities in its new strategy meet the area’s needs.

Alison McGrory, Argyll and Bute HSCP health improvement principal, said: ‘I am delighted to see the newly formed ADP coming together with such a vibrant and enthusiastic membership. Alcohol and drug substance misuse are a significant public health issue in Scotland and a partnership approach to addressing these issues is the way forward.

‘As a group, we will be aspirational in our approach to planning to ensure the cultural factors associated with alcohol in Scotland and the increasing risks of drugs are reduced.

‘We will do that by listening to people in our communities and working in a personcentred way to connect people experiencing problematic substance use disorders with appropriate support.’

She said the partnership will also prevent problems by working with children and young people to equip them with the skills, support and knowledge ‘to live a good life.’

To find out more about alcohol and drug support, advice and services in Argyll and Bute, go to the ADP website direct at argyll and but eadp. info or call 01546 604948.