This report seeks approval of the Wirral Drugs Strategy which sets out a vision for uplifting communities and enabling all people in Wirral to live healthier lives free from the harmful impacts of drugs. There will be a focus on improving the health of people who use drugs, and preventing the early deaths that are seen too often. Prevention will be key, as will a vision for a positive narrative for recovery, combatting the stigma associated with drug use, and strengthening the voice of people with lived experience.

The Wirral Drugs Strategy will contribute to the Wirral Plan aims, in particular promoting ‘Active and Healthy Lives’. Supporting Wirral residents and communities to live healthier lives free from the harmful impacts of drugs is aligned to the ambitions set out in Wirral’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy and will contribute to the reduction of health inequalities within the Borough.

Resolved – that the Wirral Drugs Strategy 2023-2027 as set out as Appendix 1 to this report and further request the Director of Public Health be approved and a report be submitted on an annual basis to enable the Committee to monitor progress.

This report enables the Committee to adopt the 4-year Wirral Drugs Strategy which places collective responsibility for local system partners to align policy, strategy, and resources wherever possible to protect and improve the health of residents.

Strategic planning helps local system partners work together to establish a clear vision, prioritise resources, determine a clear direction of travel, and to set goals and outcome targets. One option could be to not develop a local Strategy; however, the absence of a local strategic plan could exacerbate the burden of ill health, impacting negatively on health outcomes, inequalities, system pressures and the local economy.