We are extremely concerned to see that Staffordshire County Council intends to cut the Drug and Alcohol budget dramatically - by more than half. If the proposed cuts go ahead, the impact on individuals, families and communities will be catastrophic.
“Addiction to drug and alcohol takes a heavy toll on society, I have seen the impact over 22 years from crime, worklessness, the strains on the NHS and the price paid by individuals and their families, but I have also witnessed hundreds of people overcome their addiction and transform their lives to become productive members of society.
The consequences [of the cuts] will be far reaching for individuals, families and communities. The work undertaken by drug and alcohol agencies reduces crime, pressure on our already stretched A&E and hospitals, reduces the number of children on the at risk register to name a few but most importantly it saves lives and re-builds families”.
[We] want enough signatures to get the issue debated in parliament as to why the ring fence came off drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation budgets. These services are as vital as many other NHS services that have been protected. Therefore it is essential that everybody signs this petition and encourages staff, clients and family members to do the same." -- Noreen Oliver, Founder & CEO of The Burton Addiction Centre and Founder & Chair of RGUK
