Local Practitioner Forums

The national drugs strategyhighlightsthe importance of service providers and communities actively participating in the planning and delivery of services at a local level. The first local forum in Lanarkshirewas established in East Kilbride in September 1999 as a way of taking this strategy forward.

Substance Misuse Forums have three main aims:

  • To provide a platform for existing services to disseminate local knowledge and expertise and co-ordinate effort across agencies and interested parties
  • To improve communication and increase understanding between agencies working directly with clients who have substance misuse problems
  • To make recommendations to the Lanarkshire Drug Action Team regarding funding and development of additional resources within the area

Membership of the forums includes the following groups:

NHS Lanarkshire

Voluntary Organisations

  • Local Councils on Alcohol (North & South)
  • Phoenix Futures
  • SDF
  • Other voluntary agencies providers

Local Council Social Work Services

  • Substance Misuse Teams
  • Criminal Justice Teams
  • Child and Family Teams

There are currently five local forums in Lanarkshire.

East Kilbride Substance Misuse Forum - Established September 1999

East Kilbride Forum had support from locally elected members, local practitioners, the local community and family support groups. It was originally joint-chaired by the General Manager of the local health care co-operative (LHCC) and a development officer from Community Resources, South Lanarkshire Council. This forum continues to meet regularly and is now chaired and facilitated bythe local Public Health Practitioner.

Hamilton Substance Misuse Forum Established September 2001

The Hamilton Substance Misuse Forum was established in September 2001. It's main focus is taking forward the Joint Future agenda within this locality.

Cumbernauld Substance Misuse Forum Established July 2003

The Cumbernauld forum followed in July 2003, and arose out of an agreed action plan of the steering group of the Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Substance Misuse Network. Regular meeting with practitioners was felt to be the best way of keeping them updated on the progress of the action plan.

Airdrie/Coatbridge Substance Misuse Forum Established August 2003

The Airdrie Coatbridge Substance Misuse Forum was established in August 2003, with similar aims and objectives as the others. It is currently facilitated by a member of staff from theHarm Reduction Team.

ClydesdaleSubstance Misuse Forum EstablishedMarch 2005

TheClydesdale Substance Misuse Forum was established in March 2005, with specific remit to tkae forward the Hidden Harm Report reccomendations. It is currently chaired by the Health Improvement Manager for Integrated Childrens Services.

Joint Future Implementation Groups (North & South)- Established July 2004

In April2004 a working group chaired by Dr Alistair Cook submitted a report entitled "Integrated Service" to the ADAT that included recommendations for service redesign and the setting up of implementation groups in North and South Lanarkshire.

Both JFIG groups are looking at implementation of the agreed model however it will be tailored where necessary to best meet the needs and local priorities in North and South.

It is the intention to consult with stakeholders at all the key agencies of development in the process. There is representation from health councils, voluntary sector users and carers on both working groups(Joint Future website).