Drug and alcohol dependency support to be given a funding boost

Derbyshire County Council has announced a major boost to support local people recovering from drug and alcohol dependence.

The council has approved over £260,000 in new grant funding to be shared between seven local charities and community groups.

An additional £28,000 from last year’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Recovery and Improvement Grant (DATRIG) will also be reallocated, bringing the total investment to £289,000.

The new one-year grants will help the following organisations to launch or expand their current recovery projects.

• The Zink Project CIO & G52: Rise
• Derventio Housing Trust: Growing Lives Recovery
• Derby County Community Trust: Active Choices
• Kelsey Family CIC: The Recovery Hub
• Rhubarb Farm: The Third Space
• Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust: A Spire Right
• Pathways of Chesterfield: Paths To Recovery

Funding will be used for a range of projects including physical activity and mental wellbeing, support sessions and practical skills such as IT, cooking and gardening.

Derbyshire County Councils Cabinet member for Health and Communities Councillor Dawn Abbott said: “This funding will make a real difference in people’s lives. We are committed to helping people regain control of their lives and improve their wellbeing while working towards lasting recovery.

“By funding local recovery groups, we’re creating more opportunities for community-based support which, in turn, will help people develop vital social connections and practical skills.”

The additional £28,000 from DATRIG will be awarded to Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service to provide specialist counselling support to Derbyshire residents who have been bereaved by substance use as well as to provide motivational interviewing training for the Derbyshire workforce.