Drugs consultation on its way

Adam Hewitt • Published 24 Jan 2008 16:00 0 Comments

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A NEW consultation into drugs is on its way, four years after a similar exercise finally shone a light into Reading's dark underbelly.

The council wants to know how the drugs scene has changed since the last inquiry and the subsequent 'Reading Commitment' setting out 10 key targets to beat the drugs blight.

Nine of the targets were met, but there is still no network of support groups for carers and families.

The council wants anyone affected by drugs or involved in rehabilitation work to submit comments to the inquiry.

At a meeting on Saturday, February 9, councillors want people to talk in more detail about their experiences, and will hear from police, health chiefs and people running services for addicts.

Since the Reading Commitment, a local directory of drug care services has been produced, the Rat on a Rat campaign encouraged people to shop dealers, and the source team was formed to work with young people affected by drugs.

The Reading Drug and Alcohol Action Team's budget for 2007/8 is nearly £1.5m, and nearly 700 people are being treated for addiction on Drug Rehabilitation Requirements (DRRs), which are used instead of prison sentences.

A plan for a 24-hour telephone line for former addicts leaving prison or rehabilitation was launched in 2004 as part of the Reading Commitment, but was shelved due to lack of use, replaced instead by the out-of-hours service for all vulnerable people.

With nine of the old targets achieved, the council is now looking to review the Commitment.

Cllr Jim Hanley, chairing the inquiry, said: "There's no doubt a lot is already going on to tackle the issue of drugs and the effect they have on people's lives and communities.

"Our first inquiry in 2003 was extremely useful in pulling together the diverse range of initiatives out there and ensuring they work together to provide a 'joined-up' service.

"However, it's clear some people are falling through the net and we need to look again at what more can be done to support them."

Anyone with comments can write to: Cllr Jim Hanley, Community Inquiry, Reading Borough Council, Civic Centre, Reading RG1 7AE or email community.inquiry@reading.gov.uk

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 24 Jan 08

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