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Home Office launches new drug strategy
The new strategy sets out new action to protect the most vulnerable, including those with mental health issues.

Sets out new action to protect the most vulnerable

A new drug strategy to stop substance misuse and increase the rate of individuals recovering from drug dependence has been launched by the Home Office.

The new strategy sets out new action to protect the most vulnerable, including the homeless, victims of abuse and those with mental health issues.

It brings together the police, health and local partners to support those most at risk. The strategy includes measures to:

    •    reduce demand: through deterrent work including an expansion of the Alcohol and Drugs Education and Prevention Information Service for young people


    •    restrict supply: by pursuing a strong law enforcement response and dismantling trafficking networks


    •    support recovery: a new National Recovery Champion will be appointed to make sure adequate housing, employment and mental health services are available to help people turn their lives around

    •    drive international action: an international strand is included for the first time, setting out action to strengthen controls at our borders, understand global trends and share intelligence.

Commenting on the strategy, home secretary Amber Rudd said: “Since becoming home secretary I have seen first-hand how drugs can destroy lives. I am determined to confront the scale of this issue and prevent drug misuse devastating our families and communities.

“This government has driven a tough law enforcement response in the UK and at our borders, but this must go hand in hand with prevention and recovery. This new strategy brings together police, health, community and global partners to clamp down on the illicit drug trade, safeguard the most vulnerable, and help those affected to turn their lives around.

She continued: “We must follow through with our commitment to work together towards a common goal: a society free from the harms caused by drugs.”

Home Office figures show that 2.7 million 16-59-year-olds took illegal drugs in 2015/16. This is down 10.5 per cent a decade ago, but new threats are emerging, including new psychoactive substances such as ‘spice’, image and performance enhancing drugs, ‘chemsex’ drugs and misuse of prescribed medicines. 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Defra to host bluetongue webinar for vets

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will be hosting a webinar for veterinary professional on bluetongue on Thursday, 25 April 2024.

Topics covered will include the transmission cycle, pathology and pathogenesis, clinical signs (including signs seen in recent BTV-3 cases in the Netherlands), and control and prevention.

The session, which will take place from 6pm to 7.30pm, is part of Defra's 'Plan, Prevent and Protect' webinar series, which are hosted by policy officials, epidemiologists and veterinary professionals from Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The bluetongue session will also feature insights from experts from The Pirbright Institute.

Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions. Places on the webinar can be booked online.