Bracknell

Support for drug users in the borough to help them kick the habit is continuing to be improved in a new three-year contract let by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Following a year-long review of all existing drug support services, the Bracknell Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) at the Council has awarded all of its contracts for drug and alcohol misuse to one contractor, SMART CJS (Criminal Justice Services).

This will mean clients will now receive seamless support from community drug services, through to structured interventions and aftercare and arrest referral. DAAT Manager Jillian Hunt, said: The award of the new contracts means the start of a new era for drug support services for residents in the borough.

With one Bracknell provider delivering all of the services it means clients will have a seamless treatment journey and with more emphasis on education, training and employment, we hope to see more and more positive outcomes.

The services will continue to be delivered from New Hope in Broadway in the town centre.”

SMART was established in 1996 to provide an arrest referral service for Thames Valley Police. In 2002 SMART was recognised by the Home Office when its ‘enhanced arrest referral’ service was identified as a model of best practice.

Darren Worthington, Chief Executive for SMART CJS, said: Here at SMART we are really excited to be able to further develop drug services in Bracknell Forest.

We have been providing services to criminal justice clients in the area for many years. We are confident that we will have a positive impact and in doing so this will benefit the whole community.”

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: The new services are aimed at not only reducing crime but at enabling drug users to become valuable members of our community.

The new services will continue to improve the high performance that has been achieved since New Hope opened almost three years ago.”

If you, or a member of your family, has issues with drug misuse, contact New Hope on 01344 3121360.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council