2018 AGM
2018 Annual General Meeting held on 27th April. This meeting was held at Carrs Lane Church, Birmingham, following our 2018 conference.
Author: Nigel Brunsdon
Monitoring of NSP Provision
The number of individuals engaged in structured drug treatment programmes in England has declined over recent years, but this has been a trend which has occurred alongside another development, that of an increasing number of drug related deaths (DRDs), culminating last year with ONS reporting the highest number of DRDs on record. Delivery of needle and syringe programmes (NSP) in England is not monitored in the same way as drug treatment programmes, at least at a national level, but local monitoring systems provide information which points to a different picture than that which national drug treatment programme data might suggest.
Update from Interim Chair
The last few months have seen some interesting developments. Sadly, Drug Related Deaths are still increasing and it is sad some areas have low naloxone coverage. In the next few weeks, I will be training Police officers on the use of naloxone. I am proud that the Birmingham City Centre Team will, hopefully, be the 1st Force in the UK to actually carry this life saving medication whilst patrolling the streets.
Message from the Interim Chair
Firstly, let me apologise for the lack of updates in the last few months. As some of you may aware, Matt Johnson has stepped down as Chair and I have stepped up as Interim Chair. I would like to thank Matt for all the hard work he has done for the NNEF. He is now busy making a difference to many vulnerable and unfortunate people in Africa.
Back Yard
The time is right to look at new ways of reducing mortality among people who use illicit drugs. Across the UK, we are seeing record levels of drug-related deaths. These deaths often occur among people who use heroin, as well as alcohol and tobacco. The appearance of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil in the UK drug markets threatens to cause even more harm. Many of the most vulnerable people are not well served by existing models of treatment. So we need new ways of engaging these people in services that can save their lives. The need for drug consumption rooms is urgent.
DCRs are now a viable policy option and serious consideration should be given to their introduction.
NNEF Chair Changing
Please accept my apologies for lack of contact in recent weeks and months. Earlier this year my work situation changed which has involved long periods working overseas and as a result I have not been able to dedicate the time needed to the NNEF.
Fentanyl Alert
After a number of overdose deaths in the last 5 months in Hull have now been linked to fentanyl contaminated heroin Public Health England (PHE) have released a formal alert thought their Central Alert System.
Safer Drug Consumption Facilities and Heroin Assisted Treatment (FAQs)
Safer drug consumption facilities (SDCFs) are clean, hygienic environments where people can consume drugs, obtained elsewhere, under the supervision of trained health professionals.
They offer a compassionate, person-centred service which focuses on reducing the harms associated with injecting drug use and helps people access appropriate services to meet their needs. By doing so, they are able to reach an extremely vulnerable group who often do not engage with our existing services.
Includes
- This FAQ document is based on the proposals for the Glasgow project.
- What is being proposed in Glasgow?
- Why are these services being proposed for Glasgow city centre?
- What are the expected benefits of these services?
- Will these services increase drug use, drug dealing, and crime in the local area?
- What is the legal status of these services?
- Can we afford these services?
- How will these services help people to stop using drugs?
Chair’s Update (Jan 2017)
I would like to start by thanking Jamie Bridge for all his hard work and dedication to the NNEF as Chair in recent years and I’m looking forward to taking on the role of Chair in 2017 and I’m delighted Jamie is continuing on the planning group along with Philippe and Nigel as Deputy Chairs.
2016 AGM
2016 Annual General Meeting held on 12th December. This meeting was using telephone conferencing as there had been no opportunity for a face to face meeting during 2016.