This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tackling drug misuse in Govan
23/01/2002
Deputy Justice Minister Richard Simpson today met with recovering drug misusers at a successful Govan drugs project which aims to help them learn new skills, while rebuilding their lives and self-confidence.
The Gal Gael community group offers local people, particularly those overcoming addiction, the opportunity to get involved in building traditional sail boats. They can also learn about metalwork, making furniture and other crafts.
Dr Simpson was shown around the yard by project leader Colin Macleod, and was also introduced to tutors.
The launch of project - part of the Govan Out of Drugs (GOOD) initiative - last year was attended by representatives from drug agencies, businesses and community groups, including Manchester United manager Sir Alex Fergusson and the then Deputy Justice Minister Iain Gray.
Dr Simpson said:
"One of the priorities in the Executive's drugs strategy is making sure that people who are recovering from drug misuse get the support they need and the opportunity to learn new personal and practical skills.
"That is where projects like Gal Gael fit in. Its innovative approach has already produced a number of success stories, giving people a real sense of direction, while they rebuild their lives and self-confidence.
"From the excellent reports I have heard from tutors and students today, and from the examples I have seen of the students' handiwork, I think it is clear that a great deal has already been achieved. I hope to be able to return in the summer for the official launch of the boat."
Donnie MacLeod, Social Inclusion Executive, Govan Initiative said:
"What we aim to do through this initiative is to offer persons meaningful alternatives to drugs, getting them involved in a range of activities be it education, sport, employment or training programmes.
"We are working closely with the community, local schools, the police, local businesses to tackle the drug culture and create these positive alternatives. We aim to continue the good work that has taken place in Govan for many years and, if successful, hopefully other parts of the country will be able to follow our lead."
The Minister was on a visit to Glasgow to hear first-hand about the range of initiatives under-way to tackle the problems caused by drug misuse.
He had earlier visited Phoenix House Glasgow, a long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation project which aims to help people address their substance misuse and stabilise their lifestyle. Residents, who have responsibility for the daily running of the house, showed the Minister around and explained how the therapeutic treatment process works.
Later, Dr Simpson met with Glasgow's Homeless Addiction Team (HAT) and chatted with staff. HAT works to prevent and minimise rough sleeping, and create routes out of homelessness, by tackling their root causes, particularly serious substance misuse. In the first six months of its life, the HAT received over 500 referrals.
In December, HAT moved into new accommodation which will allow the full team to be based on the same site for the first time. The Minister heard how this will help ensure clients have all their needs assessed, leading to the development of comprehensive care plans.
Following the visit to the Gal Gael yard, Dr Simpson met with members of Govan Out Of Drugs to discuss local drugs issues.
The Minister concluded:
"I am very impressed by the progress I have heard about today in Glasgow. But no-one can be complacent - recent reports have shown the scale and the depth of the City's drug problem.
"That is why the Executive is providing record resources to tackle drug misuse in Glasgow. We are resolutely committed to backing the efforts of drug agencies, and community and voluntary groups which can make a real difference to the lives of all Glaswegians."