New funding to help tackle Scotland's drugs problem includes more cash for residential rehabilitation services.
The Scottish Government is making £18 million available to help improve services, with the cash split across four funding pots.
Applications for the five-year schemes are open to not-for-profit organisations working in the drugs sector, including Integration Authorities, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, third sector organisations and grassroots/community organisations.
Each scheme will be given multi-year funding with grants awarded on a rolling basis.
Scotland currently has the worst drug deaths figures in the entire U nited Kingdom.
The most recent figures show there were 1264 drug deaths in 2019 – a rise of six per cent from the year before.
Nicola Sturgeon said it would be one of her top priorities if she was re-elected earlier this month.
The £18m funds are split into four categories:
- £5m for Local Support to increase capacity in community and third sector organisations
- £5m for an Improvement Fund to improve outreach services, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare, with dedicated support for women
- £3m for a Families and Children Fund to support children, young people and families affected by drug use
- £5m for a Recovery Fund for additional residential rehabilitation capacity
Minister for Drugs Policy Angela Constance, who reports directly to the First Minister, said: "These four funds will support the development of consistent treatment standards around the country and ensure more people can get access to services that can reduce harm, provide treatment and ultimately save their lives.
"We have said a national mission is needed to tackle the drug deaths emergency and this additional £250 million over the next five years will improve and increase services for people affected by drug addiction.
"These funds make more resources available to community and third sector organisations and offer support to families affected by drug use.
"As I have said before, we are determined, as part of our national mission, to make sure that people can access whatever treatment is right for them in the right place at the right time."
