Sandwell has one of the lowest rates of drug-related deaths in the country, new study finds - find out why

The council says the low figures have been attributed to 'new ways of working' and a 'whole-borough approach' to provide help and support to drug-users.

Drug-related deaths are always increasing and are driven by a changing drugs market with stronger and contaminated supplies. 

But Sandwell is bucking this trend with drug-related deaths falling in the borough, giving it one of the best results in the country.

Work is continuing, however, to lower the chances of overdoses and drug-related deaths all together. 

The local authority says help is available this month and all year round for anyone who needs support for drugs or alcohol abuse. 

Recent data published by the Office for National Statistics shows Sandwell’s drug-related death rate is now standing at 1.6 per 100,000 population – significantly lower than regional (6.3) and national (5.5) rates, which have been rising over recent years.

The nationwide drugs market has been changing, with an emergence in increasingly dangerous drugs, including synthetic opioids which can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin. 

The borough's success in keeping figures low has largely been down to a number of community-based programmes, including having nurses out on the streets meeting drug users and helping them access healthcare and treatment. 

There has also been a peer-to-peer naloxone distribution programme, which trains residents to be able to help someone who is overdosing on opioids. 

Liann Brookes-Smith, Sandwell’s Interim Director of Public Health, said: “We are proud of Sandwell's continued success in reducing drug-related deaths, but we recognise the ongoing challenges posed by an evolving drugs market.

“Our commitment to innovative, community-centred programmes is vital in saving lives. Every death is a tragedy, and we will continue working tirelessly to protect our residents and support those affected by substance use."

Councillor Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Every life lost remains a tragedy, and Sandwell’s commitment to innovative, life-saving solutions is making a real difference to people’s lives.

“Our community's health and safety are our top priorities, and it's encouraging to see Sandwell making such strides in reducing drug-related deaths. We will continue to work together, listening to our community and adapting our approach, to ensure that we protect the most vulnerable among us and save lives."

Natasha Simpson, Borough Manager for Cranstoun, which runs the drug and alcohol service in Sandwell, said: “This low rate of drug-related deaths is testament to the system-wide approach we have taken across the borough. Across a full range of services which support people, professionals understand the need for quick referrals to our services to ensure that people can get the help they need.

“We are also able to offer a full range of treatment options for people who use drugs at locations right across the six towns of Sandwell, meaning we can work with them wherever they are.

“Our work will continue to support people to access treatment, reduce the harms that drugs and alcohol cause to ensure that residents across the borough can live healthier lives.”

If you, or anyone you know, need support for drugs or alcohol, contact Cranstoun Sandwell on 0121 553 1333 or email sandwellreferrals@cranstoun.org.uk

For drug or alcohol support for anyone aged under 18, text 07781 472 746 or call 0121 569 2201.