Angela Constance

Each of the eight projects will use their share of the £514,000 of investment to increase staffing levels in their work with people with multiple complex needs.

In Forth Valley, the Change Grow Live charity is partnering with the Falkirk Alcohol and Drug Partnership to develop a ‘one-stop’ community recovery hub where individuals can access support.

The charity has been awarded £48,704 for an Advanced Nurse Practitioner who will help people access the care they need, including mental health, physical health and drug services.

The funding is being distributed by the Drug Deaths Taskforce.

Drugs minister Angela Constance said: “We know we must ensure fast and appropriate access to the treatment which is right for each individual and we recognise services must support those living with drug addiction by addressing all of the underlying challenges they face - drug addiction is often just the symptom.

“This funding from the Drug Deaths Taskforce Innovation and Development Fund is designed to help frontline, third sector and community organisations to test innovative ways of reducing drug related deaths. This work is vital to ensure that services offer the type of wrap-around care many people need.

“I have said a national mission is needed to tackle the drug deaths emergency Scotland faces. We have already allocated £5 million before the end of this financial year and £250 million over the next five years. This will ensure immediate action on getting people into treatment and making it easier for them to access both community services and residential rehabilitation.”

Drug Deaths Taskforce chair Professor Catriona Matheson said: “The taskforce is committed to putting evidence into action to save lives.

“The rapid funding of these research projects highlights the pace at which this is happening. The focus of the initiatives confirmed so far – on emergency response to prevent fatal overdose and maximising the range and choice of available pathways for people at risk and with multiple complex needs - will both immediately inform future strategy and help prevent deaths as the projects run.”