Barnet Council has announced a £3.5 million boost to its drug and alcohol services, aimed at enhancing prevention, treatment, and recovery support for vulnerable residents.
The funding, allocated from the ring-fenced Public Health Grant, will be incorporated into the existing contract with substance misuse provider Change, Grow, Live Services Limited (CGL). This additional investment will support and extend CGL's work across the borough, addressing the emergence of new synthetic opioids, increasing the need for education and prevention services for young people, and supporting complex long-term recovery efforts.
Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, highlighted the importance of this funding, stating that it will allow the service to rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of the borough.
She added that the funding is crucial for responding to emerging issues and supporting vulnerable groups.
The enhanced services will also focus on outreach work alongside the police, ensuring a coordinated public health-led approach to tackling substance misuse. Councillor Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, noted the improved working relationships between the police, community safety teams, and CGL, emphasizing the importance of this collaborative effort.
The three-year funding package, covering 2026/27 to 2028/29, is seen as good news for the borough, providing a stable financial foundation for these vital services. The foresight in incorporating this funding into the CGL contract ensures a straightforward integration and continuation of support for those in need.