Three organisations which provide support services for people who struggle with drug use across Scotland are set to receive more than £14m in funding from the Scottish government to increase residential rehabilitation places.

Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said she hopes the funds will make a “huge” difference to establishing better support for the most vulnerable.

The funding aims to create an extra 225 placements every year across Phoenix Futures, CrossReach and the Maxie Richards Foundation facilities. Adult Care Director for CrossReach, Vic Walker said:

“Residential rehabilitation can make a huge difference for a person struggling with alcohol or drug use, for their families, and for communities. Swifter access to services saves lives, and people who complete residential rehabilitation often go on to be a positive influence in their communities.”

A key pledge in the national mission to reduce drug deaths is to increase residential rehabilitation capacity and use.

Earlier this year, a unique mother and child recovery house officially opened to support Scots seeking help with drug or alcohol recovery to stay with their children. Now, this news comes ahead of the next meeting of the national drugs mission oversight group taking place at the end March.

As part of the government’s £250m-backed national mission on drug deaths, this comes from the dedicated £100m allocated to residential rehabilitation.

Announcing the funding, Scotland’s Drug Policy Minister said:

“This second round of funding from the Residential Rehabilitation Rapid Capacity Programme will make a huge difference in increasing provision in areas which need it most.

“Coupled with the previous investment, this additional capacity takes us to almost 600 residential rehabilitation beds in Scotland – well on our way to increasing capacity by 50% from 425 in 2021 to 650 by the end of this parliament. The aim is to have at least 1,000 people publicly funded to go to rehab every year by 2026.”

Phoenix Futures will receive the largest sum at £11,395,475 for a facility in the north east of Scotland, which hopes  to eventually support 80 placements at one time and up to 200 placements annually.

The Phoenix Futures site provide day programmes, allowing local people to access rehabilitation services.

Six new beds will be supported by a government grant of £2,386,865 in Inverness. Up to 22 placements a year will be created at CrossReach’s existing Beechwood House facility.

Adult Care Director at CrossReach, Vic Walker, said the investment will reduce waiting times, which is “vital” when people come forward for help:

“CrossReach are delighted to have the opportunity to expand our work in Inverness and create greater capacity in our residential recovery service for the Highlands and Islands and surrounding areas.

“We are grateful for Scottish government funding and for support from Highland and Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnership with this bid. Once complete, the new building will also benefit the Western Isles and wider Island communities.”

The Maxie Richards Foundation in Tighnabruaich is being awarded £468,500 to fund a renovation and expansion of existing premises. This will result in one additional bed – equating to around three additional placements per year.

Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance added that the roughly £14.3m comes as part of a wider commitment to people seeking support:

“Anyone who needs support should have access to whatever type of treatment or recovery works best for them and that’s why we are investing a total of £100m in residential rehabilitation over the course of this parliament.”

Read more:  Family rehab pilot site secured; RADAR system to spot drug death risks; Analysis: Drugs and alcohol in the Scottish Health Survey; Charity calls for zero drug deaths

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