Nottingham City Council has secured an additional £1 million from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities to tackle the challenges of rough sleeping and substance abuse.
The total figure is £1,003,110.50.
This grant, a continuation of funding that began in Autumn 2021, aims to enhance drug and alcohol treatment services in the city through to March 2025.
Under the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant scheme, the funds are earmarked to extend the reach and effectiveness of existing services provided by the Nottingham Recovery Network.
These services focus on individuals who are currently rough sleeping or at imminent risk of doing so, ensuring they have access to crucial treatment and recovery programs.
Breakdown of Funding Allocation
The allocated grant will be used to further develop the infrastructure for drug and alcohol treatment services. A portion of the funding, £32,854.50, will be dedicated to expanding staffing resources to meet the demands of the enhanced services, ensuring that the additional activities can be delivered effectively and efficiently.
The major chunk of the grant, amounting to £1,003,110.50, will be channelled towards the Nottingham Recovery Network. This will allow for a contract variation extending the provision of these critical services, which are aimed not just at treatment but also at facilitating long-term recovery and reintegration into society.
Impact and Objectives
The goal of this funding is multifaceted:
- Improving Treatment Access: Making drug and alcohol treatment more accessible to those living on the streets or in temporary accommodations.
- Sustaining Engagement: Ensuring that individuals who receive treatment while in emergency or temporary accommodations continue to have support as they transition to more stable living conditions.
- Enhancing System Capacity: Building long-term resilience within local treatment systems to continue addressing the needs of this vulnerable population.
Community and Economic Benefits
This initiative is not only a lifeline for those directly affected by rough sleeping and substance abuse but also offers broader social and economic benefits. By improving individual health and stability, the program contributes to reducing healthcare costs, lowering crime rates, and alleviating the pressure on emergency services.
Moreover, the program’s focus on recovery and reintegration supports the council’s broader objectives such as creating child-friendly communities, improving housing, and fostering a safer Nottingham.
While this funding is a crucial step forward, it is set to last until March 2025 with no current indications from the OHID regarding future support beyond this date. The council and its partners must remain proactive in planning to sustain and build upon the gains achieved through this grant.
The section 151 officer has approved this spend.
• Nottingham – London St Pancras trains diverted this weekend for Midland Mainline works
