Bringing together Falkirk Council, NHS Forth Valley, Police, Fire, and third sector colleagues, along with people who have ‘lived experience’ of alcohol and drug use, Falkirk’s Alcohol and Drug Partnership is responsible for the planning of local support services.
The Alcohol and Drug Partnership also informs prevention, education, and licensing decisions to promote a local environment which challenges stigma and promotes understanding of the issues which can prevent people accessing help and support.
In January 2021, the Scottish Government announced a new national mission to reduce drug-related deaths and harms. The Alcohol and Drug Partnership progresses the implementation of this mission in Falkirk through the development of Medication-Assisted Treatment Standards, the roll out of naloxone within the community, and encouraging a joined-up approach across policy areas to address the range of issues which affect alcohol and drug consumption.
Publications and reports
Annual Reporting to Scottish Government 2021-22
Annual Reporting to Scottish Government 2022-23
Annual Reporting to Scottish Government 2023-24
Getting support in Falkirk
If you, a friend, or family member are worried about the effects of using drugs or alcohol, help is available locally from a range of groups and organisations.
Taking the first step on any recovery journey is difficult, but services can support you in a way that meets your needs and wants. For many people, the ‘first port of call’ may be your GP or the team at the Forth Valley Recovery Service.
The Forth Valley Recovery Service, provided by our partners Change Grow Live, supports individuals and families who are struggling with drugs and/or alcohol. The service and advice is free and confidential, and includes access to:
- Advice and recovery support
- Experienced Recovery Coordinators
- Harm Reduction advice and interventions including Injecting Equipment Provision (IEP) and naloxone
- Connections to a range of local partners and NHS substance use treatment options
- Structured 1 to 1 support
- Foundations of Recovery Group Work Programme
- Community rehabilitation including access to volunteering, education and employment opportunities.
You can access this service following an initial ‘assessment’, which is a discussion designed to review your social, health, and wellbeing needs. You can do this assessment with the Recovery Service either over the phone or in-person at one of the Change Grow Live offices or outreach locations.
Residential rehab is an essential, lifesaving treatment option for those who need and choose it. This support option offers a pathway to safety, recovery and a substance-free life.
In Falkirk, residential rehab is provided by a range of local providers and partners. If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about this support option, you can discuss this with your key worker or contact / drop-in to one of the Change Grow Live outreach locations.
A national online directory has been developed to help people access contact information and details for over 200 agencies in Scotland who can help with drug treatment and care.
You can find local information and support options via the Scottish Drug Services Directory or the Scottish Needle Exchange Directory.
The Forth Valley Recovery Community is a group of people committed to making recovery happen in Forth Valley.
Delivering a variety of events and support opportunities throughout the local area, all FVRC events are organised and led by volunteers in recovery.
- Local recovery cafes in Tamfourhill, Grangemouth, Alloa, Stirling, Stenhousemuir, Denny, and Falkirk.
- Recovery Ramblers
- Recovery in the Wild
- Peer-to-peer support
- 12 step fellowship
- SMART meetings
You do not need a referral to access this support. Find out more information on the Forth Valley Recovery Community website, or keep in touch with local events on the group’s Facebook and twitter channel.
Lived Experience Panel
Our Lived Experience Panel represents the voices of people with lived experience of accessing support and treatment options. The Panel helps inform the Partnership’s decision making process and is open to anyone with a passion to help drive change in alcohol and substance use services in Falkirk.
Panel members must be over the age of 18 to join, and is open to:
- Individuals with lived experience (people currently or no longer accessing services);
- Staff with lived experience employed in services;
- Support workers; and
- Carers and family members that have been impacted by alcohol and substance use.
If you are interested or would like more information, sign up using Participate+
Helping others in your community
Naloxone Programme: Together, we can prevent drug deaths.
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid-related overdose, this includes drugs like codeine, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, heroin, and methadone.
Anyone in Scotland who is likely to find someone experiencing an overdose in their family, their community, workplace, or in a public place can request a free naloxone kit and be trained in its use.
Find out more about Naloxone, and how to get trained and access it, on the Stop the Deaths website.
Challenging stigma: We all have a part to play
Together we can end the stigma around drug and alcohol use. We can do this by having a kinder approach to those affected by problem substance use. This should focus on understanding, hope and kindness.
A drug or alcohol problem is a health condition. People should receive help and support, not judgement.
People struggling with an alcohol or drug problem should get the same support and treatment as those with any other health condition. This should be without fear of judgment.
To learn more about challenging drug and alcohol stigma, and how we can end stigma together, visit the NHS Inform website.
Further resources
Further advice and information can be found from: