Drugs and Alcohol

National Context

The are two key strategy's which influence drug and alcohol services both locally and nationally: National Drugs Strategy 2002 and the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England which was produced in 2003.

Drugs

The national strategy, Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain, published in 1998 and the updated Drugs Strategy 2002, outlines the Government's policy response to illicit substance misuse. The strategy consists of four main aims addressing the areas of (i) Young People, (ii) Treatment, (iii) Communities, and (iv) Availability.

The Drugs Prevention Advisory Service (DPAS) was created to co-ordinate and monitor the targets, with nine regional teams located in Government Offices throughout the country. In local areas, Drug Action Teams (DATs) have been established, to deliver the drugs strategy. In Oxfordshire the Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team takes on this role which involves monitoring local projects, arranging service delivery as well as reviewing progress and performance with regards to the aims and targets of the drugs strategy.

Alcohol

Similarly to the Drugs Strategy the long awaited Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy consists of four main aims which outline the ways in which the Government can act to reduce alcohol related harm: Better Education and Communication, Improving Health and Treatment Services, Combating Alcohol Related Crime and Disorder and Working with the Alcohol Industry. However with the Drugs Strategy, Drug Action Teams receive funding from the Government to pay for treatment services and initiatives, there is no available funding attached to the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy.

Crime and Disorder Audit and Strategy

The West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership has produced an Audit and Strategy which contain local data and targets relating to Substance Misuse and the Night Time Economy (which includes Licensing).

Comprehensive Assessment of Crime and Disorder (Audit) 2005

Obtaining data on levels of drug and alcohol misuse is notoriously difficult, owing to the fact that much of the activity is hidden as only those who seek treatment or go through the Criminal Justice System are reported. The main findings of the audit are outlined below:

Between April 2003 and March 2004 11% of all arrests taken to Witney Police Station were for drink driving and other drink related offences.
Between April 2002 and March 2003 there were a total of 193 assaults in West Oxfordshire taking place between 7pm and 3am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Between April 2003 and March 2004 5% of all arrests taken to Witney Police Station were for drug related offences.

West Oxfordshire Community Drug Agency data for the fiscal year 2003-2004:

Next to Alcohol, Heroin is the main drug of choice followed by Crack Cocaine. 74% of clients are male and the age group with the highest number of clients is the 41 to 45 year olds.

Community Safety Strategy 2005-2008

Due to these findings, Substance Misuse emerged as a priority for West Oxfordshire. As such several targets relating to Substance Misuse and Licensing are contained in the Community Safety Strategy, these are:

Review the existing arrest referral service to West Oxfordshire
Consider ways of sustaining current youth drugs outreach services in West Oxfordshire
Develop and adopt a protocol to co-ordinate services following a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act
One responsible Licensee campaign each year in 2005/6/7 involving the Licensing Authority and other responsible authorities i.e. Trading Standards.
Carry out a review of the Alcohol Needs Assessment in West Oxfordshire
Monitor the performance of the Oxfordshire DAAT in relation to the National Drugs Strategy Key Performance Indicators
Consider 100% of applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003 to be members of a pub watch scheme by November 2005.
Adopt a licensing enforcement protocol and inspection regime for licensed premises
Develop a 'Promotion Scheme' for licensing good practice in West Oxfordshire

It is the responsibility of West Oxfordshire District Council as the licensing authority, the West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership and the Drug and Alcohol Action Group (DAAG) to implement these targets.

West Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Group

The DAAG is responsible to the Community Safety Partnership and its purpose is to coordinate, and provide advice on the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy and the targets relating to drugs and alcohol in the Community Safety Strategy 2005-2008. The group meets on a quarterly basis and its members represent each of the following sectors: Criminal Justice, young people, health/treatment, housing, local community, community safety and the Oxfordshire DAAT.

Crime, Drug and Alcohol Initiatives in West Oxfordshire

The West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership receives funding to support the Community Safety Strategy and the national Drugs Strategy. Several of the projects are listed below, if you would like further information on any of the projects contact Community Safety

West Oxfordshire Mentoring Project: Oxfordshire Youth Mentoring Scheme targets young people aged 10 to 17 facing educational/personal problems or are at risk of offending. Referrals can be from school, youth offending service or family etc. The project aims to make positive changes to the life of the individual by engaging with a mentor weekly for a year. There are bi-monthly activities and residential trips.

Skate: Is a detached youth project targeting young people aged 11 to 19, working closely with the police and Community Support Officers to identify problematic areas. The project aims to work with young people at risk of offending or becoming involved with drugs by offering advice and support. There are two youth workers based at Base 33 working two evenings a week. The project also operates for one night a week in Carterton and Chipping Norton.

West Oxfordshire Domestic Violence Outreach: The post holder is employed by Cherwell Housing Trust as a part-time Domestic Violence Outreach Worker. The post aims to provide support and advice to women who are/have experienced domestic violence by way of phone calls and visits. Referrals can be received from various agencies such as the police, health professionals and housing advisors.

Local Drug and Alcohol Services

There are several drug and alcohol services in the district however the majority of services are based in Oxford city. At a local level, apart from West Oxfordshire CDA GP's will be able to make referrals to services such as the Specialist Community Addictions Service (SCAS) who have a resource centre in Witney. There are currently no young peoples drug and alcohol treatment services in West Oxfordshire.

West Oxfordshire CDA

The service which is provided by Cranstoun Drug Service exists to offer support and information to anyone with issues and concerns around drug and/or alcohol misuse, whether you are a person with the issue, a family member, friend or professional.

Assessment - All individuals referred will receive a detailed assessment of their needs from which a comprehensive care plan will be drawn up highlighting the intervention required and anticipated outcomes

Information - Confidential advice and information for drug and alcohol users, their families and supporters about drugs, alcohol and related issues.

Individual Support - Practical support tailored to the individual's needs incorporating: advice, access to complementary therapies, advocacy, support with legal issues, housing, harm reduction, social health care and substance using issues, advice on employment and training, relaxation and stress management approaches, relapse prevention and advice and education on nutrition health and well being.

Referral to other services - referral to other services within the community such as housing and welfare agencies and access to alternative treatment options such as structured day programmes and residential rehabilitation centres.

How to refer to the service - The West Oxfordshire CDA is pleased to accept self referrals from individuals with drug and/or alcohol issues, or from their families and friends, as well as referrals from GP's and professional colleagues from other agencies. These can include Social Services, the Probation service, Housing, Youth Services, Arrest Referral, Citizen's Advice Bureau etc. Referrals can be made in writing or by telephone.

West Oxfordshire CDA can be found at Marlborough House, Marlborough Lane, Witney, Oxon, OX28 6BS. For an appointment or further information tel: 01993 774892.

For further information:

Talk To Frank - 0800 776600

Narcotics Anonymous - 020 7300009

Alcoholics Anonymous - 0845 7697555