Dundee Drug Misuse Commission holds first meeting

The Dundee Drug Misuse Commission has started its work with its first meeting in response to the increasing number of drug-related deaths in the city.

The commissioners will start to investigate issues in the city, which will help them to formulate recommendations to the Dundee Partnership.

People who use services, those with lived experience and family members will be asked to give evidence to the commission, alongside contributions from agencies and partners.

Commission chair Robert Peat said: “The most important aim of the commission is to identify ways that the drug-related death rate in the city can be reduced and to save lives. We are acutely aware that there are no easy solutions and that we have to listen fully to every possible view on how to address the problems being faced in Dundee.

“The experience of people who have or are presently using services in the City and their families, as well as those who provide services, will be vital to help the commissioners in their deliberations.

“We are keen to hear from anyone affected by drug use who can help us in our work.”

The commission members are:

Dr Robert Peat, chair.

Prof Alex Baldacchino, Dr Andrew Fraser, Professor Eilish Gilvarry, John Goldie, Councillor Kevin Keenan, Eric Know, Kuladharini, Dave Liddle, Simon Little, Jean Logan, Councillor Ken Lynn, Susie Mertes, Justina Murray, Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, John Owens, Dr Tessa Parkes, Hazel Robertson, Andy Perkins