What's happening in and around Druglink
Police join forces with drugs charity over dark web dangers - December 2024
Specialist cyber detectives have teamed up with a drugs charity to warn people of the dangers of purchasing drugs from the ‘dark web’ – a hidden part of the internet which hosts both legal and illegal activities. Officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) have collaborated with substance misuse charity Druglink to contact hundreds of households across the country which have been identified as receiving orders of recreational and counterfeit drugs. Officers visited 80 homes and issued advisory letters to a further 675 addresses where intelligence indicated dark web drugs packages had been delivered, warning recipients of the criminal and health dangers of illicit substances and signposting to available support. ERSOU’s cyber teams have an active presence on the dark web, with investigators looking to identify and target those selling prohibited items in the same way as they would on the open web.
Detective Sergeant Ian Russell, from ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), said: “ERSOU is committed to tackling the threat of organised crime, and our teams work around the clock apprehending offenders and safeguarding those who need support.
“In conjunction with partners, we carried out several safeguarding interventions across the region as part of this operation, focusing on addresses which have appeared in our investigations.
“Contrary to popular belief, people selling and buying items on the dark web can be identified and may face prosecution, and we follow lines of enquiry in the same way we would if someone had bought items on the open web. “While we have a duty to investigate criminality, we also know that many of those purchasing drugs are in the throes of addiction and are in need of help. I would encourage anyone who needs support with substance addiction to contact their GP, pharmacy or reach out to services like Druglink.”
Lynsey Weston, Director of Training and Diversion at Druglink, said: “Druglink is proud to collaborate with ERSOU on this vital operation, offering a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals navigating challenges related to substance use. “Our mission is to provide support, education, and understanding, empowering people to make informed choices that benefit themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community.”
Acclaimed actor Mark Wingett announced as first Druglink patron
October 2024 - We’re absolutely delighted to announce that actor Mark Wingett - best known for his roles in The Bill and Quadrophenia - has ‘joined’ the Druglink team a our first ever patron.
In a statement about his new role, Mark Wingett said: "I am truly honoured to become the first patron of Druglink. The work this charity does to support individuals on their journey in recovery is absolutely vital. The oft-misunderstood condition of addiction affects not only those who suffer from it but their families and the wider community as well. I’m excited to help raise awareness and support for this cause and to help give people a second chance at life.”
Read the full press release and find out how Mark will be supporting Druglink.
September 2024
Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield visits Druglink to discuss support needs and housing provision
Hemel Hempstead, Monday 30th September – The Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Frank Marsh, along with Councillor Leo Gilbert, made an official visit to Druglink a leading local charity supporting individuals affected by substance misuse, to engage in discussions around the urgent need for support and enhanced housing provision for vulnerable residents.
The visit highlighted the critical work the charity is doing in Welwyn Hatfield to support those struggling with substance misuse while also navigating housing instability. During the visit, the Mayor and Councillor Gilbert met with the charity's leadership team and lived experience service managers, gaining an understanding of the complex challenges their clients face.
As part of the visit, the Mayor and Councillor Gilbert participated in discussions about the current housing crisis in the community and how it impacts individuals with substance misuse issues. The conversations explored potential solutions, such as increased funding for safe and secure housing, the development of more supported housing facilities, and improved access to holistic services that integrate substance misuse treatment with housing support.
Derek Heath, Chief Executive of Druglink, said: "We are honoured to welcome the Mayor and Councillor Gilbert to our charity. This visit represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the needs of the local community. Addressing both substance misuse and housing provision is crucial to ensuring long-term recovery and stability for the people we serve."
The Mayor expressed support for the charity’s work, noting: "Charities like Druglink play a vital role in providing essential services to some of our most vulnerable residents. Ensuring they have a safe place to call home is a fundamental step toward recovery and reintegration into society. We are committed to working with partners like Druglink to explore ways we can improve housing provision and support services in Welwyn Hatfield."
Leo Gilbert, Labour councillor in Welwyn Hatfield, was full of praise for the work Druglink does. "Druglink provides a fantastic service, helping people to regain stability in their lives. The compassion and support provided by the dedicated staff is truly inspirational."
This visit marks a step forward in the ongoing collaboration between the charity, local government, and other stakeholders to address the intertwined issues of substance misuse and housing instability. The Mayor and Councillor Gilbert’s engagement signals a commitment to exploring innovative, community-driven solutions that provide the necessary support for vulnerable individuals to rebuild their lives.
March 2024
Druglink have been selected to receive funding through The Department of Health and Social Care’s Suicide Prevention Grant Fund. A total of 79 organisations - both national charities and small community-led charities - have been chosen to support people with their mental health and prevent suicides.
Druglink proposed opening an out-of-hours Suicide Prevention Service in the evenings and at weekends, a provision that is currently lacking in the area. The service programme will focus on mental health issues, including understanding suicide risk, coping strategies and resilience, substance misuse, domestic abuse, crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, with a schedule of groups and workshops to help adults in the area who need support, particularly those in high-risk vulnerable groups.
This is an important milestone in delivering the suicide prevention strategy, which sets out the government’s actions to prevent self-harm, suicide and save lives.
December 2023
We are delighted to announce that Druglink has been approved by Advantage Accreditations as an Accredited Training Centre, with all our Diversion courses achieving an official accreditation and all Diversion facilitators becoming accredited trainers!
WE ARE NOW THE ONLY DRUG AND ALCOHOL DIVERSION PROVIDER IN THE UK TO HAVE RECEIVED ACCREDITATION SPECIFICALLY FOR OUR EDUCATION AND TRAINING INTERVENTIONS!
This accreditation reflects our dedication to providing comprehensive, meaningful interventions, whilst continuing to deliver our aims of education and support to prevent reoffending and reduce low level crimes related to substance use.