WDP response to Dame Carol Black’s Review of Drugs – Part 2

WDP welcomes the publication of the second part of Dame Carol Black’s independent review on drugs. As a third sector provider of recovery treatment and support services, we took part in the consultation and are supportive of the recommendations being outlined and feel there is a lot of potential for positive change.

We are grateful to see a strong recognition of the disinvestment in our sector over the past few years, as well as the recommendations for increased and protected funding. The acknowledgment of the complexity and challenging nature of recovery worker roles and the recommendations around workforce development and investment are also appreciated.

The recurring themes around the importance of holistic care, supporting individuals who use drugs with their health and wellbeing (mental and physical), housing needs, and opportunities for education, training and employment, are especially pleasing to see. It is also encouraging to read that the review includes input from and highlights the value of including people with lived experience in shaping the support available for those who need it.

As an additional next step, we would advocate for a similar independent review to look at alcohol or a formal recognition that many of the report’s findings around drug prevention, treatment and recovery issues also overlap with sector and public health concerns about alcohol use.

To read the full report please visit: Review of drugs: phase two report – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)