'Investment in saving lives': Contract for alcohol and drugs crisis outreach service approved by Renfrewshire councillors
Elected members authorised senior officers to award deal to nationwide charitable organisation Change, Grow, Live.
A contract for an alcohol and drugs crisis outreach service has been approved by Renfrewshire councillors in a move dubbed an "investment in saving lives".
Elected members authorised senior officers to award a deal for the initiative to nationwide charitable organisation Change, Grow, Live.
The step was agreed at the council's finance, resources and customer services policy board and the agreement will be for two years with an option to extend for a further year, depending on funding.
The contract – which is worth almost £300,000 per annum – is anticipated to start on Friday, August 1, however, the date will be confirmed in the local authority's letter of acceptance.
Councillor Graeme Clark, a Labour representative for Paisley Northeast and Ralston, said at the meeting: "Given that drug and alcohol deaths in Renfrewshire continue to be above the Scottish average and given the increasing complexity of those presenting to our services, I believe that Change, Grow, Live can provide a range of services to support individuals, families and communities that's needed.
"The charity has considerable experience in working with challenging service users with complex needs including those with entrenched drug habits, offending behaviour, homelessness, antisocial behaviour, domestic violence and social deprivation."
He added he has "no doubt" this funding will be an "investment in saving lives".
A report, which will be considered at the meeting, explained why the matter had been brought forward to the board for consideration.
It said: "The purpose of this report is to seek the approval of the finance, resources and customer services policy board to enter into a contract for Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drugs Crisis Outreach Service with Change, Grow, Live.
"The provider will engage with individuals at higher risk of overdose and those who have experienced a near fatal overdose, to provide care and support, and to increase access to life-saving protective treatment.
"At present, the service is delivered by the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) in-house harm reduction response team."
Thomas Paterson, service manager for contracts and commissioning at the HSCP, said: "I agree that they come with an awful lot of experience, a significant provider of alcohol and drug services across the UK, and we're certainly excited about the skills and experience they can bring into Renfrewshire. They will be completely embedded within the alcohol and drug recovery services."
The costs associated with the deal will be met by Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, which is a partnership consisting of the HSCP, council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Prison Service and voluntary sector.
The maximum approved value is up to just under £900,000 for the full contract period. The agreement is for two years with the option to extend for a further year on one occasion, but the extension is fully dependent on Scottish Government funding.
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