WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO?

In 1998, the Government introduced a ten-year drugs strategy called “Tackling Drugs To Build A Better Britain” and in 2004, a national alcohol strategy called “The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England.” As a result, Oldham Drugs and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) was established in order to implement these national strategies.

A new ten-year drug strategy called "Drugs - Protecting Families and Communities" has also now been published and the five strands of work are:

• Cut drug-related crime and disorder;
• Cut the risk of drug use among young people;
• Cut the number of families devastated by parental drug use;
• Increase the number of drug users making a positive contribution to society; and
• Expand and improve drug treatment services

 An updated national Alcohol Strategy  called “Safe. Sensible. Social. The Next Steps” was also published in 2007, with the key objectives being:

• Reduce the harm caused by alcohol
• Increase the public’s awareness of the risks associated with excessive consumption and how to get help

Oldham DAAT is a strategic partnership, which brings together all statutory and voluntary organisations that are concerned with the effects of drug and alcohol use in Oldham. Membership includes senior members of the Local Health Authority, Greater Manchester Police, Positive Steps Oldham, the Local Authority and various Treatment Services.

The scope of the DAATs activities include:

• Commissioning services, including supporting structures;
• Monitoring and reporting on performance; and
• Coordinating and communicating plans, activities and performance to key stakeholders.

Key documents: