Moray Secures Extra Funding to Tackle Alcohol Abuse

Moray Councillors will be advised at this week’s meeting of the Community Services Committee of key developments being taken forward by Moray’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (MDAAT).  A package of measures to tackle substance abuse will be announced which will be funded by the Scottish Executive and amounts to £246,000 over the next two years.

This much needed funding, which will help support a wide range of initiatives, has been secured at a time when there also has been a noticable increase locally in the number of alcohol-fuelled crimes committed by youths.

Sandy Riddell, Director of Community Services and MDAAT Chair will advise Councillors that the additional funding will help support: -

• A Direct Access Service which will offer early initial access, assessment and onward referral to appropriate agencies for members of the public who are experiencing difficulties with their own or someone else’s alcohol use;
• Continuing funding for a Young Person’s Alcohol Nurse who will develop links between Moray’s support services and young people;
• An Alcohol Liasion Nurse based at Dr Grays Hospital in Elgin who will work with those presenting with alcohol related problems linking them with a range of support services;
• A Part-time Education and Employability Liaison Worker to ensure that support with employment issues happens in a co-ordinated and integrated way and that an outreach employment service is delivered in a complementary way with existing providers;
• Additional funding for the Moray Council on Alcohol group to resource increased demand for support.

Mr Riddell stated, “ Alcohol abuse, particularly involving youths, has a major impact on the lives of many people across Moray.  Many of our existing services are severely stretched so these additional resources are well timed for staff in a wide range of agencies who are trying to tackle this increasing problem”.  He added, “A concerted effort is required by everyone to ensure that the right type and level of support is provided to those affected by substance abuse when they most need it”.

Superintendent Alan Smailes of Grampian Police, who is Vice Chair of MDAAT, stated, “This announcement is very welcome and is a boost for the many agencies involved in trying to address the problem.  I know that the concerns the Police express on a regular basis about young people and alcohol is shared by many communities to varying degrees across Moray, and amongst existing services”.

Contact: Joyce Pirie, Public Relations Co-ordinator on 01343 563046