Funds open for drugs services

Four separate funds - worth a total of £18 million - to support improvements to drugs services are open for applications.

Coming from the additional £250 million announced by the First Minister to tackle the drug deaths emergency over the next five years, applications are open to not-for-profit organisations working in the drugs sector, including Integration Authorities, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, third sector organisations and grassroots/community organisations. Each scheme will run for five years, and multi-year funding will be available with grants awarded on a rolling basis.

The funds are:

• a £5 million Local Support Fund (previously referred to as a Communities Fund) to increase capacity in community and third sector organisations
• a £5 million Improvement Fund to improve outreach services, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare, with dedicated support for women
• a £3 million Families and Children Fund to support children, young people and families affected by drug use
• a £5 million Recovery Fund for additional residential rehabilitation capacity 

Minister for Drugs Policy Angela Constance said:

“These four funds will support the development of consistent treatment standards around the country and ensure more people can get access to services that can reduce harm, provide treatment and ultimately save their lives.

“We have said a national mission is needed to tackle the drug deaths emergency and this additional £250 million over the next five years will improve and increase services for people affected by drug addiction.

“These funds make more resources available to community and third sector organisations and offer support to families affected by drug use.

“As I have said before, we are determined, as part of our national mission, to make sure that people can access whatever treatment is right for them in the right place at the right time.”

Background

Information for applicants