MORE THAN 450 people in Stroud received treatment for either drug or alcohol use over the last year, figures have revealed.

Overall, these people account for 18 per cent of the 2,538 drug or alcohol users across Gloucestershire who were in treatment in 2015/16.

Gloucester topped the list with more than 900 people, while Tewkesbury came lowest with around 120.

Across the county the total number of people getting help with their addiction has risen by 10 per cent since 2014/15.

It is also now estimated that up to 12,782 people in Gloucestershire have some degree of alcohol dependence.

The new data comes as Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) announced a new Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service will be launched next year.

Social care and health charity CGL (change, grow, live) have been awarded a five-year contract, which will start in January 2017.

As part of its work, the charity will set up fixed hubs set up in Stroud to help people of all ages get support and advice easily.

Specialist workers will also run sessions and deliver outreach at partner sites including Lloyd’s pharmacies, other community locations and in people’s homes.

Charity Easton, director at CGL said: “We are extremely pleased that we have been awarded the contract and we will work with our service users and partners to ensure a high quality, accessible and holistic service for the people of Gloucestershire.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with such an able and expert group of partners, to ensure the best provision we can across the country.

“Our ambition is for sustained recovery, which is visible and tangible for individuals from the outset.”

The changes come after GCC carried out a review of its public health services for the first time since they were transferred from the NHS in 2013.

Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for public health, said: “This is an essential service that will help provide vulnerable people struggling with drugs and alcohol misuse the support they need.

“Hundreds of people across Gloucestershire struggle with alcohol and drug problems – and this contract will make it easier for them to get the help they need, in more places across Gloucestershire, at a time to suit them.

“I’m really pleased we can offer extra help to young adults in particular – giving them the help they need to get clean, stay clean and get on with their lives.”

CGL will work closely with partners, including Barnardo’s and Young Gloucestershire to help more young people between 18 and 24.

It will work with Barnardo’s to provide a Family Focus service to increase support for substance using parents in universal services.

The charity will also work alongside Lloyds Pharmacy to give users access to consultation rooms and co-ordinate needle exchange and supervised consumption.

Alongside this, CGL will work with Emerging Futures to facilitate visible recovery through family coaches and development of community forums.

Tracy Clark, from Young Gloucestershire said: “Young Gloucestershire are really pleased to be able to form this partnership to ensure that the needs of young people who are recovering from addiction can be supported to transition back into education, employment or training.

"YG feels well placed to provide this service alongside its wide range of support for 11-25 year olds it already offers for young people seeking to support them to realise their potential.”

GCC Liberal Democrat Group Spokesperson on health, Cllr. Iain Dobie welcomed the new contract, but warned there would be “no quick fixes”.

"For me, the key advantage that the new contractor is offering over the current one is reaching beyond fixed premises to help people out in the communities where they live,” he said.

“I'm pleased that there will also be some continuity in that this contract will provide drugs and alcohol support for five years.

"I don't think we should be under any illusion how difficult it is for individuals to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. There is no quick fix.

"I wish CGL all the very best with the essential service they will be providing from January 2017."