SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed yesterday’s announcement of additional funding to help tackle the effects of drug and alcohol addiction in the Western Isles. The Shed project will benefit from over £148,000 of new investment to recruit, train and match local volunteers with local families affected by drug or alcohol use by a parent. Volunteers will aim to offer ‘non-judgemental, open-ended and light-touch support’ in the family home.
This is part of a nationwide announcement by the Scottish Government, with a total of 77 initiatives across Scotland to benefit from £25 million over the next 5 years. The Children and Family Fund and the Improvement Fund were established to provide direct financial support to front line services and third sector organisations.
Allan commented:
“I am delighted that The Shed have been successful in being awarded this additional support from the Children and Family Fund, established by the Scottish Government last year.
“A whole family approach is needed to ensure more people can access treatment and recovery that is right for them at an earlier stage. Supporting family members in their own right is also important, as for every single person struggling with drugs or alcohol there are on average 11 other people affected.
“This funding will be instrumental in enabling The Shed to expand their network of dedicated volunteers, and continue their excellent work in supporting vulnerable people and their families in our communities.”
Local initiatives across Scotland who have been awarded funding can be found here (by clicking here on the plus sign on the National Drugs Mission Funding March 2022 bar towards the end of the webpage).
