Barnet Council approves £3.5m boost for drug and alcohol services

Barnet Council has approved an additional £3.5 million in funding for substance misuse services across the borough. The decision, made at a cabinet meeting on Monday 12th, will support prevention, treatment, and recovery programmes for the financial years 2026/27 through to 2028/29.

The funding, totalling £3,542,384, comes from the government's Department of Health and Social Care, administered via the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). This money is ring-fenced for the Barnet Substance Misuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services.

Expansion of Services

According to a report presented to the council, the new funds will enable the continuation and expansion of established drug and alcohol prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This includes specific interventions for rough sleepers, women, young people, individuals within the criminal justice system, and those requiring enhanced support.

The council stated that some activities and roles will be added to existing provisions, enhancing the current treatment offer. This represents a continuation and expansion of existing services with additional enhancements.

Contract with Change Grow Live

The additional funding will be used to enhance the council's existing contract with the health and social care charity Change Grow Live. This organisation, primarily funded by local authorities, delivers support services and employs staff with lived experience of its services.

Context of Drug-Related Deaths

The decision comes in the context of reported deaths among individuals receiving drug treatment. Between April 2022 and March 2025, 30 adults died while in drug treatment in Barnet. This figure represents a slight decrease from the 32 deaths recorded between 2021 and 2024.

Nationally, 8,925 people died while in contact with treatment services across England during the same April 2022 to March 2025 period. OHID, which published this data, noted that deaths occurring during treatment programmes may not always be directly related to substance use.

Dr Will Haydock, chief executive of the charity Collective Voice, commented last year that substance use issues are often linked to wider disadvantages such as housing and employment. He also highlighted that individuals using drugs are often underserved by general healthcare services.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated that the government is committed to reducing drug-related deaths through treatment, advice, and support, with a focus on deprived areas.

Residents in Barnet seeking assistance with alcohol or substance abuse can find further guidance on the Change Grow Live website.