RENFREWSHIRE
ALCOHOL AND DRUG PARTNERSHIP
Alcohol and Drug Strategy
2011- 2014

Contents

  1. Introduction
  1. Current Situation in Renfrewshire

3.National Frameworks

4.Building on Strengths – Planning Structures in Renfrewshire

5.Current Service Provision in Renfrewshire

6.Renfrewshire’s Strategic Priority Outcome Areas

7.Commissioning Strategy

8.Financial Framework

9.Monitoring and Reviewing the Strategy

Appendix One

Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership Reporting Structures

Appendix Two

Renfrewshire ADP Needs Assessment

1.Introduction

Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP)was established in October 2009 with the key aim of addressing Renfrewshire’s long standing challenges associated with alcohol problems and drug misuse. The ADP has been tasked with delivering a shared vision of the kind of outcomes partners want to see in Renfrewshire and to set out the way in which they will be achieved.

As part of the Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership it is the vision of the Renfrewshire ADP todeliver a healthier, happier and safer Renfrewshire and to set out high level outcomes to ensure the harm caused by alcohol or drugs can be minimised or even prevented in Renfrewshire.

Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership Vision -

“In 2017, Renfrewshire thrives with learning, business and opportunity.

Its people are fitter, healthier, more confident and productive.

Vulnerable people are supported and cared for. The area thrives

due to its safe environment, rich heritage, wealth of cultural events

and eco-friendly towns and villages.”

The structure of the Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership has been aligned with the five national priorities for Scotland: Wealthier and Fairer; Smarter; Healthier; Safer and Stronger; and Greener. The ADP will co-ordinate activity with the other seven thematic groups to meet the National Priorities (see appendix one for structure of the Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership).

2.Current Situation in Renfrewshire

Population Profile

Renfrewshire is the ninth largest Council area in Scotland and has a population of 170,250 (GROS, 2010) which is an increase of 0.2 per cent from 169,910 in 2009. The population of Renfrewshire accounts for 3.3 per cent of the total population of Scotland. 17.9% of our population is aged 16-29 and 22.9% is aged 60 or over. Since 1984, our total population has fallen overall compared to Scotland which has risen over the same period.

The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2009 shows Renfrewshire to have a population of 29,190 within the most deprived 15% in Scotland. This is an 11% increase from the SIMD 2006 in which Renfrewshire had a population of 26,321 within the most deprived 15%. This still compares well to the SIMD 2004 position, where a population of 32,450 lived within the most deprived 15% areas in Scotland.

Drugs

  • The national prevalence study carried out in 2006 estimated that the number of drug users (opiate and/or benzodiazepine) in Renfrewshire was 2083 (1.84%);Scotland was 55,328 (1.62%). The estimated number of drug injectors was 1,024 (0.90%);Scotland was 23,933 (0.71%).
  • The number of new individuals attending treatment services in 2009/10 in Renfrewshire was 474 with an average age of 31 with the majority reporting the use of heroin (Source: Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland, Information and Statistics Division, 2010).
  • From 1st April 2009 to 31st March 2011 there have been 2987 referrals to Drug and Alcohol Services in Renfrewshire. 141 (5%) were in the 0-18 age group with the remaining 2846 (95%) were aged 19 years and older (Source: SUMS, Renfrewshire Council, 2011).
  • In 2009 there were 26 drug related deaths in Renfrewshire – heroin was involved in the majority of deaths and 80% of deaths were known to have issues with problematic alcohol use at some point in their lives.
  • According to the most recent SALSUS report 2006 carried out in Renfrewshire 8% of 13 year olds and 26% of 15 year olds reported having used or taken drugs and 3% of 13 year olds reported using drugs in the last month compared to 11% of 15 year olds. Based on those who had used drugs, the average age of pupils when they first tried using drugs was 13 year olds. The most commonly drug used in the last month was cannabis (11%).(Source: Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Misuse Survey, SALSUS, 2006)
  • In Renfrewshire’s Health and Wellbeing Survey of Secondary School age Young People (2008) 4% of lower school pupils and 24% of upper school pupils reported taking drugs in the last year.

Alcohol

  • In 2009/10 there were 1,527 general acute inpatient and day case discharges with an alcohol related diagnosis and 268 psychiatric inpatient discharges (2009/10) with an alcohol related diagnosis, in Renfrewshire.
  • The alcohol related death (underlying cause) rate per 100,000 population in 2009 was 28.8 for males and 16.0 for females for Renfrewshire. (Scotland, 30.0 in males; 14.4 in females)
  • According to Health and Wellbeing Survey (2008) nearly 40% of males and 25% of females exceeded the recommended weekly alcohol limits who had a drink in the last week, in Renfrewshire (Source: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Health and Wellbeing Survey, 2008).
  • The findings from the SALSUS report 2006 showed that 10% of 13 year olds and 27% of 15 year olds reported that they usually drink alcohol at least once a week. All pupils who had ever had an alcohol drink were asked whether they had ever been drunk – 37% had never been really, 16% had been drunk once, 21% had been drunk 2-3 times, 14% had been drunk 4-10 times and 13% had been drunk more than 10 times. 14% of pupils reported that they had five or more drinks on the same occasion four times or more in the last 30 days.

A full needs assessment for Renfrewshire ADP is detailed in Appendix 2.

3.National Frameworks

The Scottish Government published 'The Road to Recovery' in May 2008 and 'Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action' in March 2009. The drugs strategy and the alcohol framework marks a new beginning and both signalled the need to ensure that local delivery of alcohol and drugs services were effective, efficient, accountable and able to contribute to local and national outcomes. The Road to Recovery goes on to describe recovery as a “process through which an individual is enabled to move on from their problem drug use, towards a drug-free life as an active and contributing member of society". The strategy does recognise that recovery will mean different things, at different times to different people. The recovery journey is an “aspirational, person-centred process.” There is clear agreement that individuals who have addiction problems require highly flexible treatment and support options which respond specifically to their own circumstances and needs.

Both strategic frameworks will assist the ADP in driving forward the recovery agenda on drugs and applying a whole population approach to alcohol. This will help us to provide further support and drive to build on existing service provision, joint delivery of prevention services, screening and brief interventions, joint specialist services which are all recognised for the central role they play in driving individual behaviour change.

Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action

In March 2009 the Scottish Government published Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action. The Framework sets out the strategy for tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland and adopts a ‘whole population approach’ with specific interventions targeting particular groups. The Framework sets out the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland and will inform our Strategic Priorities detailed later in the Strategy.

The Scottish Government makes clear that they are not anti-alcohol but are anti-alcohol misuse recognising that the impact and extent of alcohol misuse requires a new approach. Significant increase in the affordability of alcohol (alcohol is now 70% more affordable than in 1980 and has helped drive an increase in consumption of 19% over the same period. This has led to significant increases in deaths and illness.

The Framework identifies the need for sustained action in four areas:-

  • Reduced alcohol consumption
  • Supporting families and communities
  • Positive public attitudes, positive choices
  • Improved treatment and support

The Road to Recovery – A New Approach to Tackling Scotland’s Drug Problem

Scotland’s Drug Strategy – Road to Recovery: A New Approach to Tackling Scotland’s Drug Problem was published in May 2008 outlining their vision for the future direction of drug services. Central to the new approach is a cultural shift focusing on the concept of recovery –‘a process through which a person is enabled to move on from their problem drug use towards a drug-free life and become an active and contributing member of society. This will mean a significant change in both the way services are commissioned and in the way practitioners work with individuals.

The purpose of the Strategy is:

“To signal a step change in the way that Scotland deals with its drug problem. To explain how we need to change our way of thinking about drug use, and to set out what actions are effective in tackling it. Above all, to set out a new vision where all our drug treatment and rehabilitationservices are based on the principle of recovery”.

The document sets out Scotland's objectives in tackling drug misuse and the action plan required to assist in meeting them which are based around the following four themes:-

  • Preventing Drug Use
  • Promoting Recovery
  • Law Enforcement
  • Getting it Right for Children in Substance Misusing Families

There is a strong focus on recovery for individuals and outcomes, and the Strategy incorporates the range of services which will facilitate this for individuals.

Other key policy documents -

Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support (QATS) – Scottish Ministerial Advisory Committee on Alcohol Problems (SMACAP) Essential Services Working Group

The Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support (QATS) Report was published by the Scottish Government in March 2011. The Report focuses on tier 3 and 4 alcohol services and advocates for a person-centred, recovery-focused approach ensuring the unique needs of individuals are identified and met. The Healthcare Quality Strategy for Scotland (2010) has informed this report which also advocates the importance of person-centred treatment and support and the focus on outcomes. The recommendations within this report seek to strengthen this approach and improve consistency of service planning and delivery throughout Scotland. The recommendations highlighted within this key report will underpin service delivery across Renfrewshire.

Supporting the Development of Scotland’s Alcohol and Drug Workforce

This is a joint Scottish Government and CoSLA statement published in December 2010. The statement targets anyone who has a key role in improving outcomes for individuals, families or communities experiencing problematic drug and alcohol use. The key purpose of the statement is to:-

  • Set out why action is required to develop the alcohol and drug workforce and to outline the important roles and contributions of those directly involved in this area;
  • Acknowledge the need for strategic leadership and outlines the responsibilities of decision makers at national and local level;
  • Set out learning prioritiies for all levels of the drug and alcohol workforce

The ADP is currently working towards producing a Workforce Development Plan and will be fully informed by a Training Needs Analysis which is being developed.

4.Building on Strengths – Planning Structures in Renfrewshire

In April 2009 the Scottish Government launched a new framework for local partnerships on alcohol and drugs, which was jointly signed by the Scottish Government, NHS and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). The framework confirmed the creation of new dedicated partnerships on alcohol and drugs to be known as Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs). These replaced the previous model of Alcohol and Drug Action Teams (ADATs). The national framework states that ADPs will operate in each local authority area and should be firmly embedded within wider arrangements for community planning (organisational chart detailed in appendix one).

The national framework aims to ensure that all partners are clear about their roles and responsibilities and to focus activity on the identification, pursuit and achievement of agreed outcomes. The new framework has been developed to enable the Government to work towards achieving their overall purpose and strategic objectives set out in their Economic Strategy (2007). Their purpose is ‘to focus the Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. (Scottish Government (2007) The Government Economic Strategy. Edinburgh: Scottish Government).

The Scottish Government’s purpose is supported by five strategic objectives – to make Scotland wealthier and fairer, smarter, healthier, safer and stronger and greener supported by 15 national outcomes and measured through 45 national indicators which make up the National Performance Framework. Improvements in drugs and alcohol problems will help to contribute to a number of these outcomes. The National Outcomes most relevant to alcohol and drugs are:

Outcome 2 Economic potential

Outcome 4 Young people successful learners

Outcome 5 Children get the best start in life

Outcome 6 Longer, healthier lives

Outcome 7 Tackled inequalities

Outcome 8 Improved life chances of those at risk

Outcome 9 Lives safe from crime, danger & disorder

Outcome 11 Strong, resilient communities

The impact will be measured through the Renfrewshire’s Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) which formed part of the Concordat agreed in 2007 between Scottish Government and local government. This will enable each local authority area to identify their contribution in achieving their local outcomes and meeting the Government’s overall purpose for Scotland.

Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership

The Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership was established in October 2009 with the responsibility of delivering a shared vision of the kind of outcomes partners want to see in Renfrewshire and to set out the way in which they will be achieved. Thegovernance and accountability arrangements for the ADP forms part of the existing arrangements between Scottish Government and Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) via their Single Outcome Agreement and the NHS Performance Management arrangementsvia HEAT Targets.

Membership of the ADP comprises of senior representatives from a variety of agencies in Renfrewshire which include:

Renfrewshire Council

Renfrewshire Community Health Partnership

Strathclyde Police

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue

Voluntary Sector

Service Users

The ADP will ensure the delivery of key outcomes to address alcohol problems and drug misuse in Renfrewshire; influence the planning and commissioning of appropriate services and ensure that the provision of these services meet local needs and priorities.

The work of the ADP is supported by a range of sub groups which drives national and local focussed work identified by the ADP. These groups report to the ADP and contribute to overall outcomes focussed work in line with Single Outcome Agreements. The groups meet on a planned basis prior to ADP meeting cycles to ensure issues in relation to funding, reporting and planning are co-ordinated. Planning structures within Renfrewshire will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they continue to meet our Strategic Outcome Priority Areas.

The groups supporting the ADP are:

Addictions Operational Planning Group

Remit of the Group -

  • Preparation of joint plans for drug and alcohol services that reflect the needs of services which meets the needs of service users, carers and key stakeholders;
  • Ensuring the preparation of performance reports as requested by the ADP;
  • Preparing and implementing a joint financial framework for agreement by the ADP;
  • Ensuring the development and implementation of evidence based pathways of care;
  • Providing a forum for discussion and agreement regarding joint operational management issues;
  • Ensure progress on actions between meetings of the ADP.

Prevention and Education Group (SPEAR)

Remit of the Group –

  • Ensuring best practice based on the principles of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Prevention model;
  • Co-ordinating prevention and education activity;
  • Developing clear channels of communications amongst a wide range of partners including community involvement;
  • Ensuring co-ordinated approach to workforce development; and
  • Coordinating activity and reporting against national HEAT targets

Drug Deaths Group

Remit of group –

  • Collating, analysing and discussing issues in relation to drug related deaths identifying risk factors which could influence future service developments.
  • Working with wider partners to share and disseminate information and areas of good practice in reducing drug related deaths
  • Consideration the key priorities identified within National Audit of Drug Related Deaths
  • Providing reports and statistical information as required.

Joint Finance Sub Group

Remit of group –

  • Reviewing financial information from all ADP funded services, as well as core services delivered by the NHS and the Local Authority.

Employability/Mental Health Group

Remit of group –

  • Ensuring best practice based on the principles of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Prevention model;
  • Co-ordinating employability education activity;
  • Developing clear channels of communications amongst a wide range of partners including community involvement;
  • Ensuring co-ordinated approach to workforce development needs e.g. alcohol screening, early intervention, awareness and training and mental health
  • Coordinating activity and reporting against relevant national HEAT targets for addictions and mental health

Links to other relevant groups –

Children Affected by Parental Substance Misuse (CAPSM) Sub Group

Renfrewshire Council Social Work Department in conjunction with wider partnerswithin the Alcohol and Drug Partnership and Child Protection Committee will set up a short life working group to take forward the Scottish GovernmentCAPSM agenda and localstrategic changes in relation to this issue.