Thursday 29 July 2021
The Committee for Health & Social Care is pleased to publish the Combined Substance Use Strategy for Guernsey and Alderney 2021-2026. The new Strategy brings together the Drug & Alcohol and Tobacco Control strategies in recognition that all three substances have the ability to cause dependence syndrome and as such, substance use should be treated primarily as a health issue.
The Strategy vision of "a safe and healthier Guernsey and Alderney where the harms caused by tobacco, drugs and alcohol are minimised and islanders are empowered to improve their health and wellbeing" will be achieved by focusing actions on the following three areas:
1. Promote and Protect Health and Wellbeing;
2. Minimise the harm caused by substance use and promote recovery and rehabilitation; and
3. Evidenced-based international treaties, legislation, policy and actions.
Deputy Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said:
"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has focused the need to consider health and wellbeing across the islands of the Bailiwick and the Combined Substance Use Strategy will be a key contributor in helping us emerge from the pandemic both healthier and stronger.
The Committee recognises the work of the many partners in the Third Sector who will help us to achieve these aims."
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said:
"The Strategy was developed using the findings from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment on Substance Use, which highlighted that substance use is influenced by broad social and economic factors. The three focus areas of the Strategy will help to address these issues and improve the lives of those who use substances, and their families."
