A new five-year action plan has been launched to tackle drug and alcohol misuse in Havering.
The detailed plan outlines how the different agencies within the Havering Combating Drugs Partnership (Havering CDP) will work together to combat substance misuse to ensure a safer and healthier borough.
By joining forces, the partnership hopes to prevent substance misuse by supporting individuals and communities where there is misuse, and tackle the supply chain and reduce demand.
Alcohol-related deaths in Havering have increased in the last five years, with the latest data showing that alcohol-related deaths (62 men, 29 women) amongst Havering residents at 36.7 per 100,000 of the population is higher than the London average of 33.4 per 100,000.
The data also shows that substance misuse-related crime tripled between 2016 and 2022 from 388 to 1,084 and that more than two thirds of opiate and/or crack users (approximately over 600 people) aged 15-64 in Havering are not receiving treatment.
One in five new adults coming forward for treatment are parents or adults living with children.
The UK Government estimates that drug use costs society nearly £20 billion a year. In England and Wales, nearly 3,000 deaths a year are related to drug use.
The key focus of the Havering Combating Substance Misuse Strategy
- Breaking Drug Supply Chains: cutting off the supply of drugs that cause the most harm. This includes disrupting county lines, targeting street dealers, and limiting the availability of high-strength alcohol in areas with significant misuse problems.
- Delivering a World-Class Treatment and Recovery System: this involves reducing the stigma associated with addiction, improving access to treatment, and ensuring that individuals receive long-term support.
- Achieving a Generational Shift in the Demand for Drugs: by focusing on prevention and early intervention, particularly among young people. This includes school-based programmes, awareness campaigns, and support for families most at risk of substance misuse.
- Reducing Risk and Harm to Individuals, Families, and Communities: by minimising the harm caused by substance misuse by working together with local partners. It provides information and advice to the public, support those at higher risk, and ensure that services are culturally sensitive and accessible to everyone.
Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:
“Drug use increases crime, damages people’s health, puts children and families at risk and reduces productivity.
"It affects everyone, with evidence showing the most deprived areas face the greatest burden.
“We want anyone who has developed a lifestyle of substance abuse and addiction to get the help and support they need.
"By working in partnership with other local agencies, we believe we can get the best possible outcomes.”
Havering Combating Drug Partnership is made up of numerous agencies, such as the police, Havering Council’s Community Safety team, Public Health team, the probation service, safeguarding partnerships, local drug treatment provider called CGL and NELFT NHS Foundation Trust.