The Department of Health and Social Care, alongside the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, has announced that 28 local authorities are to receive funding to help people in drug and alcohol treatment.
As part of an aim to break the cycle of addiction and improve overall health outcomes, up to £53 million is to be allocated to 28 local authorities that have the greatest need for housing support for people in recovery.
This funding boost will enable local authorities to create new housing support schemes that are tailored for the needs of those in their local area. This comes after the government found that people who are in treatment for drug and alcohol dependence are often better supported if their housing needs are addressed at the same time, due to a strong link between having a stable home life and improve treatment outcomes.
Steve Barclay, Health and Social Care Secretary, said:
“We’re supporting those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction by addressing the link between improved treatment outcomes and a stable home.
“This £53 million funding, targeting local authorities with the greatest need, will support the government’s ambition to reduce overall drug use to a historic 30-year low.”
Neil O’Brien, Health Minister, said:
“Alcohol and drug dependence can have a devastating impact on the lives of people, their families and wider society. It is essential to break this cycle of addiction.
“This £53 million housing support funding will play a key role in testing how housing can help break this cycle, improve recovery and help people to live happier and healthier lives.”
Examples of how the funding is to be used include:
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Manchester – Specialist caseworkers, working out of three prevention hubs across the city, will provide a rapid response to housing issues that have the potential to affect people in substance misuse treatment as they look to secure or maintain long term accommodation.
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Lancashire – Housing, drug and alcohol, and health service staff will be given a programme of training to help develop their skills in substance misuse and housing related support. This will create an interconnected system of organisations and public services, offering an improved experience for those experiencing homelessness.
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Wigan – Peer mentors with experience of drug and alcohol treatment will help to provide support to those struggling to maintain their independent living, in a bid to sustain their accommodation and improve their recovery outcomes.
This funding is supporting the Government’s commitment to the 10-year drug strategy, aiming to reduce the overall use of drugs to a historic 30-year low, reducing the need for treatment and deterring recreational drug use. This is also part of a wider strategy that sees £780 million worth of funding being allocated to rebuild drug treatment and recovery services, including for young people and offenders.
