Last Friday the 19th December we held our first ever Insight Day on Drugs & Alcohol this event focused on issues within the Perry Barr Constituency, this includes four wards Oscott, Perry Barr, Handsworth Wood & Lozells and East Handsworth.

This event was hosted by the Perry Barr Drug & Alcohol Sub Group and was aimed at local services, community organisations and resident led groups. Over the last 12 months we have been working as a group to look at a range of issues in relation to drugs & alcohol. The key aim is to increase opportunities to work together to address the impact that drugs & alcohol has on our neighbourhoods.

I know that in the main area that I work in Handsworth concerns about illicit drug use and particularly street drinking features high on the agenda for local residents. 

We will now take forward information gathered from the day to help inform the action plan for the next 12 months and welcome opportunities to get feedback on this plan from local residents. 

Please post any comments here or email me directly if you wish to comment on any aspect of drug or alcohol use in your neighbourhood?

Some of the agncies that took part in the day have a range of services and information that you can access via their websites:

For more information about Drugs or Alcohol or treatment services visit the Birmingham Drug & Alcohol Action Team website

For information about mental health visit the Birmingham & Solihull Mental Foundation Trust website

SIFA Fireside works alongside those who are socially excluded or disadvantaged, addressing alcohol issues and homelessness and empowering and supporting people to meet their short and long term goals

For help & support with a drug problem contact Phoenix Futures who provide a range of outreach services locally.

For information on whats happening nationally within the drugs field  Drugscope is a leading agency that provides expertise on drugs; informing policy, encoraging informed debate, research etc.