This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Drug project pointing way ahead
11/08/2003
A drugs project based in Peterhead has made a positive difference to the drugs problem in the north east, Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said today.
At the Turning Point project, Mr Henry said:
"There is a perception among some people that Scotland's drugs problem is restricted to the inner cities. But I know that the problems associated with drugs misuse affect families and communities right across Scotland.
"Peterhead and the surrounding areas are certainly not immune from the problems that can lead to drugs misuse and the problems caused by them. But what is clear is that there is no single or simple answer to the drugs problem.
"That is why our national drugs strategy - backed by around £128 million in new resources over a three year period - has several strands. Of course enforcement is important. We must continue to support the police and other agencies in their unstinting efforts to seize illegal drugs and put away drug dealers.
"But we are also investing record levels of funding in treatment and rehabilitation, education and information, and supporting young people and communities. That is where a project like Turning Point comes in.
"Turning Point plays a crucial role in rehabilitation and support, in offering those caught up in the spiral of drug dependency the opportunity to deal with their addiction in a structured way - offering a second chance to those who would benefit from it.
"I am pleased therefore that the Executive helps fund projects such as Turning Point. It is pointing the way ahead for many other smaller communities in Scotland. Working with our partners in the police, health and voluntary sectors, we can help deliver a safer stronger Scotland."
The Turning Point project in Peterhead was established in August 2001 and is funded by the local authority through additional rehabilitation resources provided by the Executive for 2001/02-2003/04.
An additional £906,000 was awarded to Aberdeenshire Council and it is from these resources that the Turning Point project is funded. Although based in Peterhead, the Project sees clients from surrounding areas.
Turning Point offers a variety of services to fit the needs of the presenting client including community rehabilitation, arrest referral, support to family and friends, needle exchange and a 24 hour helpline.
Under community rehabilitation, the Project offers a support, counselling and advice service in a one to one or in a group setting. It offers a holistic structured 12-week programme, social activities, education, training and support into employment. It also offers alternative therapies and fosters peer support and networks.
Turning Point works as part of Grampian's Integrated Drug Service working closely with the Community Substance Misuse Team. It works in partnership with all other agencies including GPs, parents, clinical substance misuse team and criminal justice agencies.
As part of a series of visits in the north east, Hugh Henry will also visit drugs projects in Aberdeen tomorrow.