Report attached.

Contact: Shaun Morris, Drug and Alcohol Strategic Commissioning Lead, Shropshire Council 

The Drug & Alcohol Strategic Commissioning Lead, Shropshire Council presented an overview of the Drug and Alcohol Strategy, outlining the current service landscape, key data trends and ongoing projects. The Board noted that Shropshire was experiencing the highest number of adults in treatment to date, with more than 1,700 individuals currently receiving support and an increase in young people accessing services. This reflected national and regional trends.

A shift in substance use was reported, with opiate use declining and alcohol and cocaine use increasing among adults. It was further noted that a higher proportion of young people in Shropshire seek support for alcohol compared with national and regional averages.

The number of individuals successfully completing treatment, as well as those disengaging, was rising. Retaining adults during the first 12 weeks of treatment remained a particular challenge.

Members were informed that preparations were underway for recommissioning the service, with a new contract expected to commence in April 2027. Engagement with service users and professionals was ongoing to inform the service specification.

Key projects reported included the RESET service for rough sleepers, community detox initiatives, a review of drug and alcohol?related deaths, and the Blue Light Project aimed at frequent A&E attenders. Work continued to focus on harm reduction, early intervention and education, supported by recent well?attended webinars on ketamine and alcohol.

Challenges highlighted during discussion included data?sharing limitations, engagement with informal community groups, and the need for more integrated work across mental health and education sectors.

The Board emphasised the importance of aligning the strategy with neighbourhood health frameworks, prevention, early intervention and improved data and cross?sector collaboration.

Members raised a number of questions regarding the Drug and Alcohol Strategy. It was noted that the reason why alcohol use among young people in Shropshire was higher than elsewhere remained unclear and was under investigation, with ease of access identified as a possible factor.

A query was raised about the decline in the proportion of adults successfully completing treatment. It was reported that work was ongoing to strengthen engagement and re?engagement processes.

Members asked whether the service liaises with informal urban groups such as rangers or street pastors. It was confirmed that engagement does take place for intelligence?gathering and support.

Questions were raised about how to reach individuals not currently accessing services and promote earlier intervention. It was noted that strengthening harm?reduction and education would be a core focus of recommissioning.

Members asked whether alcohol use among young people could be analysed by locality and whether there was enforcement around alcohol sales. It was confirmed that granular locality data was available and that collaboration with licensing and A&E departments continued. Education and training in schools would be prioritised in future commissioning.

A query was raised regarding pathways between services and A&E and whether data could be used to cross?reference health inequalities. Support for this approach was welcomed, and work was underway to improve pathways and adopt more intelligence?led methods.

Members asked about managing risks for individuals not yet ready for treatment. Training webinars for professionals have been introduced to support these individuals and help build readiness for treatment.

Questions were raised about addressing physical health needs, such as respiratory conditions, within future specifications. Integrated approaches were being developed, including health checks and social prescribing.

A query was raised about engagement with education settings and the sharing of locality data. It was confirmed that detailed data would be included in the JSNA and was available for cross?referencing.

Members asked whether rates, rather than counts, could be used in comparative data. It was confirmed that rate?based comparisons with statistical neighbours were possible through the national drug treatment monitoring system.

The importance of linking the strategy to neighbourhood health frameworks and locality working, including improving referral routes and service awareness, was emphasised and supported by the Board.

RESOLVED:

To note the contents of the report.