New strategy approved by Councillors following drug and alcohol conference

Leading Councillors have voted to approve a new drug and alcohol strategy to guide the regional approach to supporting recovery over the next decade.

The move follows the launch of the Northern Lincolnshire Drug and Alcohol Conference, which took place last month at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe.

Councillors in North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet voted unanimously to endorse the strategy,

The HEARTS Northern Lincolnshire Drug and Alcohol Strategy sets out how the local authority and its partners will commit to prevention, early support, harm reduction, effective treatment, and long-term recovery for individuals, families, and communities.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care at North East Lincolnshire Council, said the strategy and the recent partnership conference had received positive support.

“It’s been quite remarkable to see how everyone has got behind the conference, the new partnership with Turning Point, Framework and Double-Impact, and now the strategy.

“These are all major milestones in our ambition to be recognised as a recovery town – a place where people who are struggling with alcohol or drug use can get support to recover and to transform their lives.

“Last year this Council committed to the principles of becoming a Marmot town, and that means helping people to lead healthier lives in a healthy environment, with strong community connections.

“People in Northern Lincolnshire should have the opportunity to address their substance use, and this strategy is designed to support people in doing exactly that.”

The strategy strengthens community wellbeing by tackling inequalities, improving safety, reducing stigma and enhancing those partnerships that already exist in the region.

To find out more about the new strategy and the North East Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership (NELRP), visit www.nelincs.gov.uk.