Drug strategy
Diversity
It is essential that the Government’s Drug Strategy provides the framework to deliver appropriate services and interventions to all those who need them, including those in each of Britain’s diverse communities.
Evidence shows that:
- Women, minority ethnic communities, the disabled and other groups have specific needs in relation to the delivery of drug services, and yet barriers exist which prevent those groups accessing services.
- Some communities are also disproportionately represented within vulnerable groups who may be at risk of future drug misuse.
In response to these issues, a Diversity Action Plan was produced, which included the following key objectives:
- Improve the breadth and impact of work on diversity issues and drugs across government
- Increase the BME drug workforce in the regions
- Women
- BME communities, including Gypsy and Traveller communities and asylum seekers and refugees
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities (LGBT)
- Disabled people.
- Tackle the stigmatisation and stereotyping suffered in particular by the African-Caribbean community in respect of drug use.
A number of steps have been taken to meet these objectives, details of some of which can be seen on this website.
As a further step in achieveing the objectives set out in the Action Plan, the Drug Strategy Diversity Forum advised the government on the publication of the Diversity Manual (new window), which is intended for use by regional government, local partnerships and delivery partners across the areas of crime and drugs. The Manual sets out the legislative framework requiring partnerships and service providers to commission and provide services appropriate to local needs. It identifies responsibilities relating to diversity, provides case studies of good practice and contains useful information and links and resources to support the delivery of services for local populations which are compliant with legislation.
