Published 01/12/2014
| Last Updated 01/12/2014
The
Health and Social Care Committee has launched an
inquiry into alcohol and substance misuse in Wales.
What is the Committee’s inquiry about?
The Committee has recently been doing some work on
new psychoactive substances (“NPS”) – better known as “legal highs”. It will be publishing a report in the new year setting out its conclusions and its recommendations to the Welsh Government.
During this inquiry, the Committee has been hearing about the effect that NPS can have on people. Members know that alcohol and substance misuse can also have really serious effects on people, and want to build on their current work on NPS by looking into the issues of
alcohol and substance misuse in Wales.
As part of the inquiry, Members want to know about:
- the effect that alcohol and substance misuse has on people in Wales;
- how well these issues are currently being tackled; and
- whether the right local services are in place across Wales to help people and make sure that they know about the possible harms.
The Committee’s Chair, David Rees AM, said: “Alcohol and substance misuse can have devastating effects on individuals, their families and their communities. We want to know what it is that makes people use drugs or alcohol, and whether the right national approach and local services are in place to raise awareness and to give people help when they need it”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgIB_K0ZrUA
How can you tell us what you think?
To inform the inquiry, the Committee wants to hear from people from across Wales.
Sharing your views with the Committee will help Members to make sure that they can take into account how alcohol and substance misuse affects real people in Wales on a daily basis.
There are three ways that you can contribute to the inquiry:
- write to or email the Committee with your views on the inquiry terms of reference.
All responses must be received by 9 January 2015.
What happens then?
The Committee will then consider all of the written responses it receives, and arrange formal oral evidence sessions with key organisations and the
Deputy Minister for Health.
Once it has taken evidence, the Committee will then write and publish a report which makes recommendations to the Welsh Government.
Where can you find out more information?
If you would like more information about the inquiry:
If you or somebody you know has been affected by alcohol or substance misuse, or if you would like more information, you can contact DAN 24/7 for advice. DAN 24/7 is a free and confidential helpline for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs and or alcohol.
Freephone: 0808 808 2234
or text DAN to: 81066
www.dan247.org.uk
