Funds to tackle alcohol misuse13/05/2009
Scotland's health boards have received £36 million this year to tackle alcohol misuse - a jump in spending of 45 per cent.
The cash will help NHS boards and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships identify and treat people suffering from alcohol problems.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison said the funding increase underlined the Scottish Government's commitment to tackling alcohol misuse.
Speaking on a visit to Liber8, a South Lanarkshire-based alcohol action project which has recently moved into purpose-built premises in Blantyre, Ms Robison said:
"Scotland's alcohol misuse problem is costing our country £2.25 billion and blighting the lives of families and communities across the country.
"This further significant investment will help to turn lives around across Scotland by identifying and treating people in need of help.
"And that's good for everyone, because if we can tackle problems head-on, we can prevent a lot of misery to individuals and families, as well as knock-on costs for the taxpayer."
Margaret Halbert, General Manager Liber8 Lanarkshire, said:
"In the past, Liber8 Lanarkshire's adult counselling service was provided and sustained by volunteers, but since the alcohol funding became available, Liber8 has been able to employ counsellors to add to, sustain and develop the provision of alcohol services throughout South Lanarkshire - in particular the rural areas - where a mobile service now exists.
"Due to the significant impact that alcohol has on individuals, families and communities, these finances have made Liber8's alcohol service more reachable at the point of need. We look forward to continuing this much-needed support in the coming months and years and welcome the investment currently being provided."
Today's £36 million for 2009-10 is 45 per cent higher than the £24.86 million allocation for 2008-9.
It forms part of a planned three-year package of £120 million to tackle alcohol misuse more widely - an overall funding increase of 230 per cent compared to the previous period.
Part of this year's funding will allow boards to deliver more 'brief interventions' - in which people turning up at GP surgeries, A&E and other healthcare settings with problems that could be alcohol-related are asked about their intake and given advice on sensible drinking.
The bulk of the money will, however, support treatment for people whose problems have been identified.
Board Funding for 2009-10 MillionsAyrshire and Arran 2.49
Borders 0.98
Dumfries and Galloway 1.22
Fife 2.47
Forth Valley 1.90
Grampian 2.80
Greater Glasgow and Clyde 9.06
Highland 2.27
Lanarkshire 3.44
Lothian 5.31
Orkney 0.42
Shetland 0.43
Tayside 2.70
Western Isles 0.50
Total 36