Eastern Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team (EDACT)
Overview
The New Strategic Direction on Alcohol and Drugs 2006-2011 was launched in 2006 and outlined a number of key priorities.
The Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams were given responsibility to develop local action plans in consultation with stakeholders in the drug and alcohol field to address local needs taking cognisance of the NSD for Alcohol and Drugs (2006-11).
The 2009-11 plan reflects the learning that has been borne out of the previous plan(s) covering 2006-2009.
Objectives
- Ensure that those most vulnerable to substance misuse have access to interventions at the earliest opportunity.
- Provide a range of treatment and support services for alcohol and drug users and their families.
- To support the provision of universal prevention and targeted education initiatives for children, young people and their parents in schools and the community.
- Provide a range of early intervention and treatment and support services for children, young people and their families.
- Increase service user involvement in the planning and delivery of substance misuse services.
- Support local community groups and organisations to respond to drug and alcohol related issues appropriately.
- Facilitate local strategic planning and information sharing.
- Support local initiatives tackling alcohol and drug misuse through EDACT's Small Grants Scheme.
- Implement a four tier workforce development plan to improve the skills of those working with alcohol and drug users/misusers.
- Ensure that information, support and treatment services are available to families affected by substance misuse.
- Keep the sector informed of the latest alcohol and drug news, trends, research and availability of services.
- Work collaboratively with other key stakeholders responsible for address substance misuse.
- Assess the impact of services funded in the EHSSB in support of the NSD
The above objectives have a range of outcomes attached to them which are listed in the full action plan document. These outcomes will be met through the tendering and/or commissioning of services and through interagency initiatives.
The plan addresses the following areas;
- Adults and the General Public
- Young People
- Communities
- Workforce
- Hidden Harm
- Overarching
The Public Health Agency (PHA) wishes to announce that a small grant funding programme is available to support voluntary, community and statutory organisations in developing and providing initiatives aimed at improving health and well being and which address activities set out in the priorities and Action Plans of the four local Drugs & Alcohol Co-ordination Teams (DACT).
The PHA will only consider applications from statutory organisations if they are in partnership with voluntary or community organisations. Proposals must:
- Demonstrate local community involvement;
- Address outcomes locally as identified within the respective DACT Action Plans 2009/11 and/or regional "Addressing Young People's Drinking in Northern Ireland Action Plan"
The PHA would in addition welcome proposals that;
- Target the top 25% most disadvantaged ward areas in each of the DACT areas;
Proposals are up to a maximum value of £5,000 (Minimum amount £500) Further information, application forms and guidance notes which advise those wishing to apply for funding of the relevant criteria and conditions are available from the relevant PHA/DACT office below.
Local workshops will also be held for potential applicants to advise and explain the application process.
EDACT Small Grants: EDACT wishes to attract applications for innovative work and projects. Under this funding round EDACT will only be awarding grants under the following themes.
- Short-term projects for chronic dependent adult drinkers to reduce the harms associated with their alcohol misuse
- Short-term projects delivering drug and alcohol education to at risk and vulnerable adults
- Short-term projects delivering substance misuse early interventions to at risk and vulnerable adultsShort-term projects aiming to increase service user involvement in the planning and delivery of substance misuse services
- Local research projects
Applications will be considered from statutory organisations and from the voluntary/community sector. Partnership applications are welcomed and encouraged. The timescale for the award of grants will be as detailed below.
The previous grant maximum of £5,000 has been removed and no grant maximum is now advised. It is recommended however you speak to the contact about a realistic level of grant application.
How to Apply
Action Plans: Financial Support to enable EDACT to fulfill its action plans are awarded by a competitive tender process through the Regional Supplies Service. (RSS) The tender opportunities is advertised in regional press and on the RSS website www.csarss.net.
Small Grants: The deadlines for small grants are available on the EDACT website. They normally open once is the year to make small grants.
19 July 2011
GT Team contacted Public Health Agency and no decision has been taken yet but it may happen that all ACT teams might be centralised and any grants delivered on a regional basis howver no decision has been made yet but Marianne will keep GT Team in the loop.
8 November 2011
The scheme for 2011/12 closed on 24 October 2011