Lambeth Council’s Brixton outreach scheme boosts support for individuals with drug and alcohol dependency, reducing harm and increasing referrals to treatment services for improved community well-being.
In a proactive move to address substance misuse in Brixton, Lambeth Council has significantly expanded its efforts to support individuals battling drug and alcohol dependency. The council’s ongoing initiatives are aimed not only at offering treatment to those in need but also at tackling the broader issues of anti-social behaviour and rough sleeping, which are often exacerbated by substance abuse.
An important milestone in this endeavour was the establishment of a pilot outreach scheme 18 months ago, which has now been made permanent due to its success. This initiative focuses on engaging with rough sleepers and individuals suffering from substance addiction in the streets of Brixton. By building trust and providing on-the-ground support, the outreach team has been able to encourage more people to seek the treatment they need, thereby improving overall community health and safety.
Recent figures highlight the success of these efforts: over 300 additional adults have entered treatment compared to the previous year, pushing the total number of people receiving help in Lambeth to nearly 2,000. This increase in treatment access is a direct result of the outreach scheme’s impact, as well as the growing presence of substance misuse services across the borough. The scheme’s success has also been amplified by the introduction of a Voluntary Referrals app, a tool that allows police officers to easily refer individuals in need of treatment to the appropriate services.
The app has streamlined the process for connecting individuals to the help they need, further improving the efficiency of the outreach programme. In addition to the increase in referrals, the outreach team has made significant strides in reducing the number of injecting drug users, cutting drug-related deaths, and lowering drug and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. These are key priorities for Lambeth Council, which is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents.
Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, spoke about the importance of these initiatives in the broader context of community health and safety. “Drug and alcohol addiction is a destructive scourge on our communities that destroys people’s health, drives crime and abuse, and has serious knock-on effects, including anti-social behaviour, robbery, and theft,” he said. “The police lead on tackling crime, while the council undertakes enforcement and community support. We have been pushing hard for more visible policing in the town centre, and for the increased on-the-ground police presence Brixton so badly needs.”
The council and the police have been working closely together, holding ongoing days of action in the town centre to ensure that public spaces are safe and that individuals in need of support can be reached. A key component of this strategy is Lambeth Council’s public health team, which has been collaborating with substance misuse services to run the on-street engagement team. This team, deployed at key locations throughout Brixton, focuses on building relationships with individuals using drugs, understanding their unique needs, and helping them access appropriate treatment.
The on-street team operates during early morning and daytime shifts, ensuring extensive coverage across Brixton’s town centre, including areas such as Windrush Square, Brixton Station, Electric Avenue, Electric Lane, Rushcroft Road, Nursery Road, and Rush Common. The team is made up of experienced professionals from the charity Thames Reach, which has deep roots in the Lambeth community. Thames Reach’s staff have an in-depth knowledge of the local area and the range of services available to support individuals with complex needs, such as addiction, homelessness, and mental health challenges.
The outreach team is also working in tandem with other services throughout the borough to address rough sleeping, substance misuse, and related social issues. Together, these teams are taking a holistic approach to solving these interconnected problems, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive not only the treatment they need but also the support to reintegrate into society.
Hashi acknowledged the progress made but also highlighted that there is still more work to be done. “We know there is more work to be done, but I welcome the progress that has already been made in addressing these issues. This work is vital for improving the health and wellbeing of our community and making Brixton a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.”
The work being done in Brixton is a prime example of how local authorities can take a proactive and compassionate approach to complex social issues. Lambeth Council’s continued efforts to support individuals struggling with drug and alcohol dependency not only aim to improve the lives of those directly affected but also contribute to the overall safety and wellbeing of the wider community. As the outreach programme continues to expand, it is hoped that Brixton will see a long-term reduction in substance misuse-related issues and a brighter future for those in need of support.
