FDS Insight Newsletter Oct-Dec 2020

28 strategy despite the death rate in Scotland from problem drug use remaining stubbornly higher than any country in Europe. ‘This fact itself should demonstrate that the current approach isn’t working. This is undoubtedly a public health emergency.’ The governments’ views All UK drugs misuse legislation is currently reserved to Westminster. A spokesman for the Home Office said it was committed to preventing drug use, supporting people through treatment and recovery and tackling the supply of illegal drugs. ‘We have no plans to introduce drug consumption rooms or decriminalise drugs. Illegal drugs devastate lives and communities, and dealers should face the full consequences of the law,’ he added. ‘We are committed to tackling drug misuse and held a UK-wide drugs summit in Glasgow earlier this year to discuss the most effect ways to tackle drug misuse and their terrible impact across Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland.’ The Scottish government has said it welcomes support for the introduction of a safe drugs consumption room in Glasgow as part of efforts to reduce deaths there. A spokeswoman said when the report was published in November: ‘The outdated Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 should be amended to allow us to implement a range of public health focused responses, including the introduction of safe consumption facilities in Glasgow. ‘We call on the incoming UK government to amend the Act or to devolve those powers to Scotland.’ BBC News (7/9/20) M EDIA R ELEASE : FDS launches 1-to-1 service via Sage.fm/FDS We are offering sessions on bereavement; Stepping Stones and various activities in each state. The first 70 minutes are offered free of charge. A payment of $75 is charged for every subsequent session (a receipt will be issued).