A new van to help people struggling with alcohol and drug addictions comes to Sandwell

The 'Harm Reduction Vehicle' will be helping people across the borough

Author: Ella StirlingPublished 15th Nov 2022

A new 'Harm Reduction Vehicle' will be touring the streets of Sandwell to help people access drug and alcohol support.

The van has been launched by charity Cranstoun, who provide drug and alcohol treatment support across Sandwell.

Cranstoun are hoping that their new vehicle, which was originally an ambulance, will allow them to reach more people who may struggle to access addiction services otherwise.

Simon Wollaston, Team Leader at Cranstoun, believes this van will help break down barriers: "We can provide people with clean injecting equipment, provide them with harm reduction advice, refer them for treatment and test for things like Hepatitis C."

"By improving lives of people who use drugs, we are helping those people around them too, so this will be a huge benefit for the community," he said.

This is part of Sandwell's Council 'Safer 6' campaign which is a six-week community safety project across the borough's six towns, promoting safety, crime prevention and healthy living.

Anna Blennerhassett, Consultant in Public Health at Sandwell Council, believes this van will be hugely beneficial for the community: "there is a lot of stigma around drug use and this is just one of the ways we can try and overcome this barrier."

"This is a non-judgemental and safe space where people can come and access advice," she said.

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