The Scottish government is to increase funding for families affected by alcohol and drugs by investing more in the Family Recovery Initiative Fund to deliver community-based grants.

The charity Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (Scottish Families) which manages the fund have welcomed the news for a further £70,000 to take the total funding available for 2023/24 to £100,000.

As one of outgoing Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance’s last acts before her new appointment in Humza Yousaf’s cabinet, she has supported the government’s expansion of the Family Recovery Initiative Fund (FRIF).

The FRIF provides grants to community-based organisations and groups who support families affected by alcohol and drugs across Scotland.

Initially launched in March 2018, the FRIF is a small grants scheme which is supported by the Corra Foundation along with Scottish Families. The fund has awarded over £100,000 in its first four years and was relaunched in 2022 as part of the government’s ‘National Mission’ to reduce drug-related harm.

Announcing the funding earlier this week, Ms Constance said:

“I am delighted to support the expansion of the Family Recovery Initiative Fund through an increase in Scottish government funding to £100,000. 

“This additional £70,000 per year will encourage more support for families affected by the harms from drug and alcohol use, providing them with different opportunities to improve and maintain their own wellbeing in their local communities.”

Since the relaunch, £43,000 has been awarded across 11 different organisations and groups from the Highlands to the Borders.

Offering up to £5,000 to small organisations and community-based groups which apply to the FRIF, the fund will now look to grow its impact.

The FRIF aims to improve the wellbeing of people across Scotland who are affected by someone else’s substance use and the harm that comes with that. This includes supporting opportunities for people with similar experiences to connect through group activities and access further support where needed.

Following only a small decrease in drug-related deaths for 2021, the CEO of Scottish Families, called for the government to commit to zero drug deaths target – with anything less representing “an insult” to families.

Since then, Ms Constance has appointed a chair to the National Drugs Mission Oversight Group, which looks to improve and scrutinise the government’s delivery on its commitment to reduce drug-related deaths.

Now, welcoming the increased funding, Scottish Families CEO, Justina Murray, said:

“Every day, community groups and organisations across Scotland are doing everything they can to support families harmed by alcohol and drug use. Sometimes they need just a little bit of extra help to run new activities, buy equipment, hire a meeting space, reach more families, or do some training together.

“It is very welcome to see this increased investment by the Scottish government today in our Family Recovery Initiative Fund. We know that families can and do recover, and this funding will make a real difference in local communities.”

Grant award applications are reviewed by a panel of family members with personal experience of substance harm who advise on decisions.

Through the FRIF, these grants support new opportunities to improve and maintain families’ wellbeing, including free therapies, evidence-based support programmes, weekly peer support groups, and arts and crafts.

One of the partner organisation, which hasn’t been named, is quoted in the announcement of the additional money as saying access to the fund is “straightforward and not overcomplicated”, giving groups confidence to apply, adding:

"FRIF funding has been a lifeline for these groups. Many are bereaved, some are Kinship Carers, and all are struggling emotionally and financially.

“This funding allows the groups to look forward with plans, to participate in events that reduce their isolation and helps them connect and educate in their communities.  It also offers them stability in their premises.”

Scotland’s newly appointed Drug and Alcohol Policy Minister, Elena Whitham has been asked for comment. A Scottish government spokesperson said this extra £70,000 comes as part of its wider investment in the for people impacted by drugs:

“It is crucial that families affected by a loved one’s substance use are given the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations, access support and inform service improvement.

“The £250m we are investing in our National Mission over the course of this parliament is helping to improve and increase services for all those affected by drug addiction and their families.”

Read more: Residential rehabilitation capacity boosted by £14m; Analysis: Drugs and alcohol in the Scottish Health Survey; Who are Scotland's new health and care ministers?; RADAR system to spot drug death risks; Oversight group for government drug action; Unpaid carers “spiralling” in cost-of-living crisis

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