Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, is set to urge leaders across the public, voluntary and justice sectors to adopt a more unified response to tackling drug and alcohol-related deaths.
The call for greater collaboration coincides with the launch of a new Alcohol and Drugs Fund, which will distribute £36.9 million to frontline organisations supporting individuals, families and communities impacted by substance use.
The funding is open to both third-sector organisations and public bodies working directly with:
- People who use alcohol and drugs
- Individuals in recovery
- Children and families affected by substance use
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said:
"This new fund will provide more than £36 million over the next three years, supporting prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. It will reach organisations of all sizes - from grassroots groups to larger partnerships - with particular emphasis on improving support for children, young people, and families. I have heard from the third sector about the need for stability and longer-term support - this multi-year funding recognises that.
"We have increased residential rehab capacity, with funded placements now close to our 1,000 target, set new treatment standards, opened The Thistle - the UK's first safer drug consumption facility - and improved surveillance of the most potent and dangerous drugs entering circulation. But it is clear we now require a different collective approach and we need to go further. I am determined we make the change and new ways of working needed - and I am focused on confronting the need for reform of how our public services deliver.
"I am clear there should be a 'no wrong door' approach. If someone needs help, our system should be easy and quick to navigate - wrapping around the person rather than making people fit into the system.”
The aim is to strengthen early intervention, recovery services and family support, while helping to reduce long-term harm at community level.
Public sector leaders are expected to see the initiative as a significant investment in prevention and local delivery at a time when services continue to face sustained pressure.
The new fund sits within the wider Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan 2026–2035, developed jointly by the Scottish Government and COSLA. The strategy outlines a ten-year framework for reducing substance-related harm and deaths across Scotland.
Backed by more than £160 million for 2026–27, the plan emphasises:
- Cross-sector collaboration
- Person-centred care
- Community-led solutions
- Improved outcomes for families and young people
The summit is expected to play a key role in aligning national policy with frontline delivery, ensuring that stakeholders across health, local government and the voluntary sector are working towards shared outcomes.
With Scotland continuing to face significant challenges related to drug and alcohol harm, Swinney’s message is likely to stress the importance of collective action and shared accountability.
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