New data shows that Sandwell has one of the lowest rates of drug-related deaths in the country.
These low figures have been attributed to new ways of working and a whole-borough approach to provide help and support to people who use drugs.
Nationally, drug-related deaths are increasing, driven by a changing drugs market with stronger, contaminated supply. Sandwell is bucking this trend with drug-related deaths falling in the borough.
However, work continues to bring overdoses and drug-related deaths down as any death caused by drugs is one too many.
Help is available this winter and all year round for anyone who needs support around drugs or alcohol use.
Recent data published by the Office for National Statistics shows Sandwell’s drug-related death rate has fallen further, now standing at 1.6 per 100,000 population – significantly lower than regional (6.3) and national (5.5) rates, which have been rising over recent years.
The nationwide drugs market has been changing, with an emergence in increasingly dangerous drugs, including synthetic opioids which can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin. However, Sandwell has continued to adapt its approach, with services expanding harm reduction to keep residents safe amid these emerging challenges.
Sandwell’s success has been attributed to an approach which is grounded in proactive, community-based programmes. This includes a new approach to outreach, which has led to more community engagement work and having a nurse out on the streets meeting people who use drugs across the borough and supporting them to access healthcare and treatment.
There is also an effective peer-to-peer naloxone distribution programme, which empowers residents to respond to overdose through training and providing them with the skills and equipment to reverse an opioid overdose.
Sandwell’s approach also includes a range of tailored harm-reduction initiatives that adapt to meet the needs of people who use drugs in the borough, creating a safer environment for vulnerable people despite the intensifying risks in the drugs market.
Liann Brookes-Smith, Sandwell’s Interim Director of Public Health, said: “We are proud of Sandwell's continued success in reducing drug-related deaths, but we recognise the ongoing challenges posed by an evolving drugs market.
“Our commitment to innovative, community-centred programmes is vital in saving lives. Every death is a tragedy, and we will continue working tirelessly to protect our residents and support those affected by substance use."
Councillor Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Every life lost remains a tragedy, and Sandwell’s commitment to innovative, life-saving solutions is making a real difference to people’s lives.
“Our community's health and safety are our top priorities, and it's encouraging to see Sandwell making such strides in reducing drug-related deaths. We will continue to work together, listening to our community and adapting our approach, to ensure that we protect the most vulnerable among us and save lives."
Natasha Simpson, Borough Manager for Cranstoun, which runs the drug and alcohol service in Sandwell, said: “This low rate of drug-related deaths is testament to the system-wide approach we have taken across the borough. Across a full range of services which support people, professionals understand the need for quick referrals to our services to ensure that people can get the help they need.
“We are also able to offer a full range of treatment options for people who use drugs at locations right across the six towns of Sandwell, meaning we can work with them wherever they are.
“Our work will continue to support people to access treatment, reduce the harms that drugs and alcohol cause to ensure that residents across the borough can live healthier lives.”
If you, or anyone you know, need support for drugs or alcohol, contact Cranstoun Sandwell on 0121 553 1333 or email sandwellreferrals@cranstoun.org.uk
For drug or alcohol support for anyone aged under 18, text 07781 472 746 or call 0121 569 2201.
Data source: Deaths related to drug poisoning by local authority, England and Wales – Office for National Statistics