Responding to the publication of Part 2 of Dame Carol Black’s
Independent Review of Drugs, Jon Murray, Executive Director for
Services (England) at With You said:
“This review represents a potentially defining moment in the
course of drug treatment in the UK. At a time when drug-related
deaths have reached record levels, its recommendations provide a
clear way forward for getting more people the help and support
they need, whilst reducing the harm of drugs in our communities.
“The scope and ambition of the review is to be applauded. It is
wide-ranging and addresses many of the issues we hoped it would -
from calling for stronger coordination between Government
departments and reforming commissioning to rebuilding integrated
services.
“The focus on trauma informed service delivery is crucial and we
are pleased to see recognition of the interconnected nature of
problematic drug use and mental health issues.
“To provide the best possible support, we must explore new
approaches that bring services closer together, focusing on the
needs of the person rather than the systems and locations at
hand.
“This review could signal a long overdue turning point in the
delivery of help and support for people in this country. But to
succeed, we need the Government to commit to major financial and
political investment and a truly collaborative approach to
delivery, drawing on the strengths of a wide range of partners.“
