Rehabilitation services London, a great city but the lives of too many individuals and families are blighted. All by problems linked to alcohol and other drugs. London has one of the highest rates of problem drug use in the country. The effects of this are far-reaching on rates of suicide, mental ill-health. Plus premature death, family breakdown, acquisitive crime. Also the rise in anti-social behaviour and evidently the degeneration of communities.

Alcohol

Furthermore alcohol, our favourite drug, can also have a very negative impact on Londoners lives. This from the public disorder outside pubs and clubs. Also through child neglect and youth offending, to the burden on the NHS. Hence eighty per cent of London’s A&E beds at peak times are taken up with alcohol-related admissions.

Rehabilitation services London

I made a commitment in my manifesto to bring all the relevant agencies together to focus resources. Plus all efforts on reducing alcohol- and drug-related harm in the capital. Hence I was delighted to announce in July the creation of the Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance. This is a new partnership of statutory agencies, voluntary sector organisations. Plus community groups that will especially ensure we tackle London wide problems effectively.

Firstly we will strive to ensure that London secures the right level of resources from central government to make a real impact on alcohol- and drug-related harm in London. Plus we will also adopt policies and approaches based on evidence rather than rhetoric or anecdote.

Alcohol and Drug Alliance

I am grateful to the members of the Alliance [Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance] and the Expert Advisory Group, who helped shape this policy. Therefore I believe that we can only tackle alcohol and drug problems successfully through building strong partnerships. These will be between statutory agencies, the voluntary sector and community groups. The key elements of my alcohol and drug policy are involving local communities. Plus strengthening the links between action on alcohol and drugs with employment, housing and regeneration. Plus improving the quality and effectiveness of drug and alcohol interventions so they meet the needs of London’s diverse communities. Problem drug and alcohol use is a major public health concern in London. Therefore I am committed to addressing this to make London a great city for all.
By The Mayor

Report

This report sets out the role of the Mayor and his plans to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm in London. The establishment of the Greater London Authority provides a unique opportunity to take an overview of alcohol and drug problems in London and for the Mayor to define a strategic framework to tackle them.

Making a difference in this complex area cannot be achieved by the GLA alone. Progress is dependent on establishing and maintaining partnerships across a wide number of agencies and organisations, so that each organisation is making the best use of its skills and resources, and working towards common goals.

The Mayor is committed to working in partnership with a wide range of organisations and community groups to tackle alcohol and drug problems, without duplicating the work of others. This commitment to partnership working has already been demonstrated through the large number of stakeholders engaged to date in the process of developing this policy.

Expert Advisory Group

During autumn 2000, a diverse group of academics, community organisations, statutory bodies, drug users and voluntary sector agencies participated in an Expert Advisory Group to the Mayor on alcohol and drugs in London. The Expert Advisory Group developed an initial set of proposals on the GLA’s role and priorities for action. These proposals were circulated to over 500 organisations and individuals in London for comment.

This document reflects the conclusions of that consultation exercise and incorporates the many views and responses received. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the Expert Advisory Group and consultation exercise. Membership of the Expert Advisory Group is set out in appendix ii.

The focus of the Mayor’s policy is the problems caused by the supply and use of alcohol and drugs and the aim is to reduce harm. This means recognising that alcohol and drug use will always be part of the lives of some Londoners. Within this context, the Mayor will focus resources on the harm associated with and arising from the use of alcohol and drugs, rather than the substances themselves.

Alcohol & Drugs in London

Drugs and alcohol both cause problems, and are also symptomatic of other problems in London such as poverty, social exclusion, discrimination and inequality. The aim of this policy is to reduce harm to individuals and to communities in London.