Agenda item

To comment on the upcoming Drug Strategy.

Elizabeth Eagle (Substance Misuse Lead) and Dr Mayada Abu Affan (Director – Public Health) introduced the report which highlighted the upcoming Hammersmith and Fulham Drug Strategy. The report included 3 main themes which were breaking drug supply chains (enforcement), making it harder for organised crime networks to operate in our borough, disrupting all parts of the supply chain and reducing associated violence and exploitation. World class treatment services, treating addiction as a health problem, recognising the role played by adverse personal circumstances such as trauma, poverty and mental health conditions, breaking down stigma and saving lives. Achieving a generational shift in the demand for drugs, trying to reduce demand, giving residents the best possible start in life, and working with young people in the borough to change attitudes to drug-taking.

Jim Grealy commented that the report had been distressing to read but heartening to see the progress made. He suggested considering how the strategy could be introduced into schools and colleges, including through the Youth Parliament. Elizabeth Eagle confirmed that, as part of the strategy, engagement had taken place with the Youth Council.

Councillor Bora Kwon asked whether the report was intended to go to the POB. Councillor Alex Sanderson clarified that it would be presented at Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee first and then across other committees. Councillor Bora Kwon noted that it should be distributed to other Chairs.

Councillor Jackie Borland raised a question regarding the approach to cuckooing. Elizabeth Eagle explained that work was being enhanced through the existing cuckooing risk panel and that a trial had been undertaken to include a substance misuse worker within the cuckooing team, building support and specialism from the inside out.

The Chair asked how success would be measured across treatment and prevention. Elizabeth Eagle responded that success would be assessed through measurable statistics, including an increase in the number of people in treatment and improved access to detox and rehabilitation services.

A resident highlighted a generational shift in drug use and referred to school exclusion lists and asked where people go to access support when they’re excluded. Elizabeth Eagle confirmed that the Young People’s Drug Service, Resilience, was available for young people experiencing substance misuse issues. When asked whether Resilience was linked to schools or the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, Elizabeth Eagle clarified that it had been commissioned by Public Health but they did have workers who provided support to schools.

Councillor Alex Sanderson summarised that the current rate of drug-related offences remained too high but stated that this was the best Drug strategy developed to date. Jenny Parker stressed the need to consider residents with addictions who were wheelchair users or had mental health conditions, noting that the strategy should be broader in addressing complex needs. Councillor Alex Sanderson agreed, stating that this feedback would be taken on board and that the strategy needed to be explicit in recognising that disabled people faced unique risks and had diverse needs.

It was agreed that the strategy would be distributed to other PAC Chairs and it would be confirmed as to whether the strategy was due to be on a future Policy and Oversight Board Agenda.

                                                                                  Action: Liam Oliff

RESOLVED That:

The Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee noted the report.