Health and wellbeing
Drug and Alcohol Strategy update shows nearly 20% rise in people accessing support
Published on
More people in Walsall are accessing drug and alcohol support through partnership-led efforts across the borough, according to a progress update on the Drug and Alcohol Strategy (2023–2028) being presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board on 25 June 2026.
Latest figures show that the number of adults engaging with the borough’s main treatment service, The Beacon, has risen by 19.3% from 1,742 in 2022/23 to 2,079 in the year to December 2025, which is above the national average of 15.9%.
The report going to the board sets out the progress made since the start of the strategy and outlines plans for the next phase of delivery, including future commissioning of services.
The increase reflects the impact of this partnership-led strategy, which is focused on improving access to support, reducing harm and helping more residents to recover and rebuild their lives.
Improving access to treatment has been a key priority of the strategy, with partners across the system working together to reach more people, particularly those at greatest risk of harm. This progress means Walsall is now seeing more people coming forward for help, improved reach to those who need it the most and better engagement with health and community services.
The growth in treatment numbers is a key step towards reducing unmet need locally and ensuring more residents can get timely support.
Behind the increase is a wider programme of work to strengthen services and remove barriers to access, including same-day prescribing clinics and expanded outreach services, hospital-based in-reach to identify and support people earlier, joint working with police and community partners to engage with individuals who are at high risk, and targeted campaigns to raise awareness of available support.
“ It’s really encouraging to see more residents accessing support for drug and alcohol use in Walsall. We know there is more to do and by working together with our partners, we are not only focusing on treatment but on prevention, early help and supporting residents to build healthier, more stable lives in Walsall. “
“ We’re really encouraged to see more people coming forward for support, as it means we’re reaching those who need help earlier. At The Beacon, our focus is on providing compassionate, person-centred care that supports people not only into treatment, but through recovery and beyond. “
The Beacon, provided by Change Grow Live, supports individuals and families experiencing alcohol and drug use issues. Residents can refer themselves or professionals can refer clients to the service online via the Change Grow Live website. For more information, please contact thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk or call 01922 669840.
The full report and papers for the Health and Wellbeing Board can be found on the Council’s Committee Management and Information System (CMIS).
