There was a first for Scotland when a major alcohol summit was hosted in North Lanarkshire.
The event, led by North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (NLADP), brought together a broad range of local and national stakeholders to “start the conversation” about what is happening in North Lanarkshire in relation to alcohol harms and to help support change.
It was the first event of its kind spearheaded by an ADP in Scotland, and involved key service providers, individuals with lived experience and family members of those who use alcohol to problematic levels.
The summit was opened by the Head of Planning, Performance and Improvement for University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, Morag Dendy, who is also the Chair of the NLADP.
John Holleran, NLADP Strategic Lead, said: “National input came from Alcohol Focus Scotland, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol and Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, who set out the national picture and policy context.
“Local services also highlighted what they are doing to support those living and working in North Lanarkshire. They included Barnardo’s, Turning Point Scotland, Phoenix Futures, Addiction Recovery and Treatment and North Lanarkshire Council Adult Protection Team.
“NHS Lanarkshire Public Health Consultant Elspeth Russell introduced the Lanarkshire Alcohol Health Needs Assessment, noting North Lanarkshire has consistently higher rates of harms and deaths from alcohol than other parts of Scotland. This also included the significant challenges we face around alcohol-related liver health, which was featured in the discussions.
“Overall, the day was a huge success with over 140 people attending at the Lanternhouse in Cumbernauld.
“As an ADP, we want to support people better to find the right help at the earliest opportunity to reduce harms for those using substances and those around them. The ADP commissions a broad range of services across Lanarkshire for those who need support for their own or someone else’s substance use.”
