Culturally Sensitive Support Service - Supplementary SUbstance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant

Development of earlier initiative to provide support to older black men from criminal justice settings/using drugs.

Indications that service delivery led by a community based organisation, with strong culturally sensitive underpinnings, has enabled increased uptake of services from underrepresented groups.

Service development/change to move away from criminal justice specific action, and group based work, to look more holistically at delivering services to individuals identifying as members of the black community regardless of age/gender and criminal justice connection. Further expansion to think about other underrepresented ethnic groups within treatment.

No other provider within Hackney offers a culturally sensitive offer of support.

Funding for the service has been agreed by Central Government, specifically the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities, as part of additional funding for the local authority as part of the national 10 year drug strategy.