Kenward Trust’s response to £780m drug strategy overhaul

The government’s new strategy is designed to cut crime and reduce both the supply and demand for drugs by getting more people into treatment, breaking the cycle of crime driven by addiction and keeping drug-related violence out of neighbourhoods across the country. The strategy brings in total the spending on drug enforcement and treatment to more than £3 billion over the next three years.

Penny Williams, CEO of Kenward Trust said:
“We have seen a significant increase in demand for our drugs and alcohol rehabilitation services, especially over the past 18 months. Funding for services such as ours have been tough to gain, as well as a drop in fundraising during the pandemic. So, we are delighted to hear this news, and wait in anticipation for the new Drug Strategy to deliver funds to the local councils.

Sadly, Drug and Alcohol budgets in local authorities have been slashed over the last decade leaving the most vulnerable without support and charities like Kenward Trust desperate for funds. Due to the pandemic, we have seen a significant increase in people turning to Kenward Trust’s services, as more and more people turn to alcohol to overcome the pressures it has brought.

We always aim to work closely in partnership with local services, talking to young people who are disengaged, discussing crime, making tough life choices around alcohol and drugs with our Outreach and Think Differently projects. Kenward Trust offers full residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, counselling and day treatments, whilst providing family and friends support too. We await in anticipation to find out more as the Drugs Strategy unfolds in more detail.”

Independent Review

Dame Carol Black, whose independent review into the issue of drugs helped shape the strategy states: “Enormous human tragedy surrounds the lives of people dependent on drugs. This investment will transform substance misuse services, providing people with high quality treatment and support for recovery. This strategy comes with high expectations and I look forward to advising the central unit and relevant government departments to ensure there is a step change in treatment, recovery and prevention.”

To find out more about the services Kenward Trust provides, or to find out how you can support their life changing work here or call 01622 814187.