A plan to help reduce the harm caused by illegal drugs in the Isle of Man has been published by the Government.
It is one of two reports which set out a joined-up, practical approach to reduce harm, keep communities safe and improve support for people and families affected by substance misuse.
The reports follow policy principles approved by Tynwald and are split into what is happening now to help people affected by drugs, and what plans there are to strengthen support further.
The Response to the Policy Principles – A Harm Reduction Approach: Interim Report looks at what collaborative work is already being done by Government, the Constabulary, pharmacies, Public Health, Manx Care and third-sector organisations to reduce drug-related harm.
Published alongside it, the Action and Implementation Plan sets out five main aims going forward:
- Reducing drug-related harm
- Making services easier to access
- Improving education and awareness
- Prioritising treatment and support where appropriate, and
- Improving how information is gathered and used to target support where it’s needed most
Director of Public Health Dr Matt Tyrer said:
‘Drug-related harm is a complex challenge which affects individuals, families and communities in different ways.
‘The Isle of Man already has a strong foundation of services and initiatives in place. This plan provides a shared roadmap for partners to build on that work, strengthen coordination and ensure that future activity is informed by the best available evidence.
‘A key theme throughout the plan is the importance of understanding local need through robust intelligence, enabling interventions and resources to be targeted where they can have the greatest impact.’
The work has been developed in partnership between Public Health, the Department of Home Affairs, Manx Care, the Isle of Man Constabulary, the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, and third-sector organisations.
A new multi-agency group will be set up to oversee the next stage of work. It will report to the Community Safety Partnership and develop timeframes, ways to measure success, and future reporting arrangements.
