A new three-year strategy aimed at preventing harm, supporting recovery and improving outcomes for people affected by alcohol and drugs has been approved by Moray Integration Joint Board.
The Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnership (MADP) Strategic Delivery Plan 2026-2029 sets out a whole-system approach to reducing alcohol and drug-related harm across Moray. The plan focuses on prevention, harm reduction, supporting recovery and ensuring people can access the right support at the right time.
Developed through engagement with people with lived and living experience, local partners, community organisations and national stakeholders, the plan reflects both local priorities and national ambitions for improving recovery services.
The strategy recognises the significant impact alcohol and drug harms can have on individuals, families and communities. It also acknowledges the particular challenges faced in rural areas, including transport barriers, stigma and access to specialist support.
The delivery plan is built around four strategic priorities:
- Prevention and early intervention – helping people stay well by providing support before problems escalate. This includes education, early intervention, whole-family approaches and action to address the inequalities and adverse experiences that can increase vulnerability to alcohol and drug harm.
- Harm reduction – reducing immediate risks and preventing avoidable deaths through evidence-based measures such as needle exchange services, naloxone distribution, outreach support, overdose prevention activity, and improved local monitoring of emerging risks.
- Treatment and care – improving access to high-quality, person-centred services that meet the needs of people affected by alcohol and drugs, including those experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, and complex needs. This includes strengthening pathways into community, primary care, acute, and specialist services.
- Wider circle of support – recognising that recovery extends beyond treatment alone. Stable housing, employability, education, family support, peer networks, advocacy and community connections all play an important role in helping people build healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Together, these priorities aim to reduce harm, improve wellbeing, reduce inequalities and continue to build stronger, recovery-focused support across Moray.
Dennis Roberston, Chair of Moray Integration Joint Board, said: “As a Board, we welcome this strategy which sets out how partners will work together to prevent harm, save lives and support recovery, while making sure people can access compassionate, person-centred support when they need it.
“We know that lasting change happens when services, communities and people with lived and living experience work together. This plan provides a clear direction for the next three years and reflects our shared commitment to helping people live healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives.”
The strategy builds on significant improvement work already underway across Moray, including strengthened residential rehabilitation pathways, implementation of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards, overdose prevention initiatives, assertive outreach approaches and the continued development of community recovery support.
The Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnership will continue to work closely with communities, services and people with lived and living experience to deliver the plan and monitor progress over the next three years.
Contact information
Moray Health & Social Care Partnership Communications
