Drugs service continuing successfully, says community health chief

The work of the former CADSS support service for people with drug and alcohol problems is continuing successfully,  according to head of community health and social care Simon Bokor-Ingram.

He told a meeting of the board of NHS Shetland on Tuesday that there were three elements which were all being covered. The needle exchange had seen a small increase in numbers, which he said was “reassuring”, and the “first point of contact” at the Salvation Army premises on Monday afternoons was being used.

Funding had been acquired for a young person’s service, now being put into place.

Mr Bokor-Ingram said there could be a possibility of getting another recovery worker or young person’s worker, if needed, and work with Dogs Against Drugs and the Community Bike Project, which are funded from the drug and alcohol funding, is continuing.

He said: “We will be spending over £700,000 on drug and alcohol services this year. We buy 12 places a year for adults who are recovering from addiction issues from the Community Bike Project. The participants learn employability skills.

“The project has an excellent success rate, re-enabling people back into employment.”

He said he was seeking feedback on the provision, and added: “I’m confident we have a robust service. All parts of the service are in place.”