Agenda item

Report of Group Director of People

The Group Director of People submitted a report (previously circulated) updating Members on the mobilisation of the new STRIDE (Support, Treatment, Recovery in Darlington through Empowerment) Service and updating Members on the new ACCESS (Assertive Community Connection and Engagement Support Service) Team.

It was reported that STRIDE, the new substance misuse service provided by We Are With You, became operational on 17 August 2020; the available treatment options were outlined; and details were provided of the service model (also previously circulated).

Reference was made to the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns on services in terms of engagement with partners and organisations in the Borough; and that the service continued to provide support and treatment to those who needed it throughout both lockdowns.

It was reported that the ACCESS team, which would be established from mid-July, would deliver an intensive programme to improve the experience and outcomes for offenders in Darlington; and that this team had been grant funded for a period of 12 months from additional PHE monies.

Following a question in respect of the location of the service in the town centre, Members were advised that by operating from the town centre, the service was visible and accessible to residents requiring help and support; enabled residents to get well in their own community; and that the service would operate from various settings within the community and would not be confined to the two sites in the town centre.

Discussion ensued in respect of the funding for the ACCESS Team; and details provided of the delays to certain aspects of the services due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular the quasi residential rehab in Darlington.

RESOLVED – (a) That the update on STRIDE be noted.

(b) That the new ACCESS team be welcomed.