PCC John Campion and partners in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are coming together to tackle the impact drugs have on communities.
As part of the Government’s “From Harm to Hope” 10 year drugs plan, the PCC will be taking up the role of Senior Responsible Officer for the local Combatting Drugs Partnership that will cover Herefordshire and Worcestershire. In the national plan, it outlines the requirement for local areas within England to come up with plans to deliver the following:
- Break drug supply chains
- Deliver a world-class treatment and recovery system
- Achieve a generational shift in the demand for drugs
Across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the PCC, West Mercia Police, NHS partners, Herefordshire Council, Worcestershire County Council, district councils and probation services will be working together.
The PCC has allocated £100,000 of additional funding to support the work, and to ensure the growing harm drugs cause in our community is combated.
PCC John Campion said: “It’s testament to the commitment of the partners, in the two counties, who are willing to coming together to maximise the benefits of the Government’s Drugs Strategy.
“I am committed to delivering the ambitions set out in the national strategy on behalf of our communities. The value of prevention and effective early intervention is clear, as is the cost of the issues associated with drug abuse within communities.”
Chief Constable Pippa Mills adds: “We will always be committed to tackling serious crimes with a view to bring justice to those that cause harm, and provide support to individuals more vulnerable to exploitation.
“This partnership is an excellent opportunity for us to work alongside like-minded and dedicated professionals to keep people safe, and provide a high quality service that the communities of West Mercia would expect.”
Sarah Chand, West Midlands Probation Regional Director, said: “We are delighted to be formalising and developing our work with partners on substance misuse in this new drugs partnership. Tackling the causes and consequences of substance misuse is crucial for both protection of the public and the rehabilitation of the individual.”
Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council said: “We are pleased to be working with the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner and key strategic partners to enhance the collective support to our residents, who are experiencing issues with drugs, and to raise awareness of their dangers.
“This Government led initiative will help us to help our residents, whether it’s by breaking drug supply chains and criminality or promoting much needed personal support and working towards recovery. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that our residents have the support they need to live happy, healthy and safe lives.”
