Significant progress in reducing drug and alcohol-related harms and improving lives across communities has been highlighted in a new report from Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP).
The update on the work of the partnership to deliver trauma-informed, rights-based services โshaped by people with lived and living experience โ was presented to members of Moray Integration Joint Board (IJB) at their meeting today (Thursday 29 May).
Moray ADP has made notable progress in implementing the national Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards, which are a key part of Scotlandโs response to the ongoing drug-related deaths crisis. The standards provide a framework ensuring treatment is safe, person-centred and effective.
The Board heard that improved referral pathways, delivered through a third sector direct access service, have reduced waiting times for people and enabled faster access to support. Feedback from lived experience groups has shaped pathways into and through services to better reflect the realities of peopleโs lives, leading to improved outcomes, while frontline staff have benefitted from continued training on rights awareness, trauma informed practice, and crisis response.
Key achievements highlighted in the 2024/25 report include:
- The establishment of an Independent Lived Experience Panel, which provides insight into service design and commissioning.
- A charter of rights toolkit, co-designed with people with lived experience, is helping to embed dignity, respect, and right into service delivery.
- Over 80% of staff in direct access services have lived or family experience of substance use, enhancing the authenticity and empathy of frontline support.
- Access to residential rehabilitation has improved following the shift to a third sector-led model for assessment and referral.
- Innovative harm reduction initiatives are bringing support directly to people in their communities.
- Continued collaboration on whole-family approaches, peer-led recovery events, and support groups, is helping to reduce intergenerational harm and strengthen recovery at a community level.
- Peer-led education sessions in schools and community settings are challenging stigma around substance use, changing perceptions and building greater awareness and understanding.
Councillor Elaine Kirby, Chair of Moray IJB, said: โReducing the harm caused by alcohol and drug use is an important and challenging area of partnership working in Moray. This yearโs report shows just how much progress has been made through the dedication, innovation, and compassion of those delivering and shaping services.
โAs a Board, we want to express our appreciation to everyone who has contributed these achievements, especially the people with lived and living experience whose voices continue to help transform the way support is designed and delivered.โ
