A SOLIHULL service which has battled addiction and substance misuse has secured another four years of funding.
The new £2million deal for Solihull Integrated Addictions Service (SIAS) to adapt its provision will start in April next year.
The service is provided by the council, charities and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).
It has been widely praised for combating alcohol, drug and gambling addiction.
It also provides specialist family and young persons’ care to those suffering because of substance abuse.
Solihull is ranked first of all 151 local authorities with 45 per cent of those requiring it receiving treatment with SIAS.
The council claims the new arrangements will update services to suit rapidly changing communities.
Cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Karen Grinsell, said: “Solihull council is the highest performing local authority in the country for numbers of alcohol dependent residents in treatment.
“Our success rates for treating opiate and crack using clients is also substantially higher than the national rate.
“We want to make sure that we continue to support people who need our help which is why we are investing nearly £2million a year in this vital service.
“As the existing contract for our drug and alcohol service was coming to an end we also took the opportunity to redesign the service to make sure that people who are experiencing the greatest harm are able to access the service.”
John Short, chief executive at BSMHFT, said: “Our combined approach in delivering high-quality, person centred care ensures that the needs of each and every individual is tailored to their unique requirements that assists them in their journey towards recovery in every aspect of their lives.”
Alcohol related hospital admissions have increased by 56 per cent since 2008/09, according to the Substance Misuse Needs Assessment 2017/18.
It is estimated there are around 1,800 adults with alcohol dependence in need of specialist treatment in the borough.
The council says redesigning the service follows wide-ranging consultation, including with the police, health care professionals, youth services, charities, service users and families.
