Where and why the Forum meets?
The Forum meets approximately every 6 weeks, or when business demands it monthly. Meetings are held locally in a range of different venues.
At these meetings local substance use issues are discussed and measures for tackling them are considered. These issues and the measures for tackling them form the basis of a Local Action Plans, that are seen to be locally owned and derive benefit from the participation of those organisations and community groups who are closest to the problem. They bring realism and a local perception that assists the process.
What does the Forum do?
The Forum’s main task is to identify what the local substance use issues are, what the main local concerns are. It does this by producing Local Action Plans. These plans are then used to inform the strategic aims of the Forth Valley Substance Action Team (SAT). In this way, they assist in the building of a developing strategy that ensures the interface between local, Forth Valley wide and national strategies. They also have an input to decisions about how monies identified for substance misuse services are spent. This influence can be seen in the way the SAT supports the notion of providing services for substance misusers that is firmly rooted in the community and is delivered by a consortium of community groups.
Who should be involved?
The Forum welcomes the involvement of those who are either working in the substance misuse field, are concerned about the impact in their area, or wish to be involved in the decisions about tackling the problem locally. Currently the Forum has 28 members, representing the main agencies, organisations and local groups who have a responsibility for tackling substance use issues. Not all members will attend every meeting. Some members may have a peripheral interest in substance use and will attend when a subject close to them is being discussed or they have an issue to raise. The Forum is keen to involve a range of community people, but particularly those who represent a group with a particular interest in drug use. Delegates to the Forum are expected to represent the interest of their group and not pursue a personal agenda.
New members welcome?
The Forum welcomes new members, particularly local groups, who represent a particular community or organisation’s view on how substance use issues can be tackled. If you think your group can contribute to the work of the Forum contact the local Substance Development Officer, who acts as the link between the Forum and the SAT and is the contact person for anyone wanting to contact the Forum.
Contact:
Substance Use Co-ordinator, Corporate & Commercial Services, Falkirk Council, Municipal Buildings, Falkirk FK1 5RS
Email: substancemisuse@falkirk.gov.uk |