Western Drugs and Alcohol Co-ordination Team

Overview

The Western Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team (WDACT) is a local interagency partnership with lead responsibility for the local implementation of the New Strategic Direction (NSD) for Alcohol and Drugs 2006-2011 throughout the Western Health and Social Services Board (WHSSB) Area.

The WDACT Action Plan outlines key priority areas of work for alcohol and drugs in the Western Board area in line with the New Strategic Direction. The plan builds on previous WDACT activities and initiatives and it identifies new priority areas for development and implementation.

Identified priorities

The WDACT commissions services within the Western Health and Social Services Board area to support the implementation of the NSD for Alcohol and Drugs. These services include:

• 2 Youth Treatment, Counselling and Support Services, one in Southern Sector and one in Northern Sector of the Trust area.
• A Community Support Service for the WHSSB area.
• 2 Community based Education and Prevention Programme Providers, one in each Sector area, targeting at risk young people and vulnerable young people and adults.
• 1 Training Provider (board-wide)
• 2 Street drinking projects, one in each Sector area.

Small Grants

The WDACT offer a small grants scheme for community/voluntary groups to deliver initiatives based on the identified priorities of binge drinking, underage drinking, illicit drug use, young people and family support.

Applications are not considered from statutory or private organisations except for joint applications with the voluntary/community sector. Grants are made available within each financial year.

WDACT offers two types of grants:

• Level One Grants - are small seed grants for £200 or less and are allocated to organisations seeking funding for one-off events.
• Level Two Grants - are for amounts from £201 to £4999 and are awarded to organisations undertaking larger projects.

NB.For both Level One and Level Two Grants, all money received must be spent within the current financial year.

How to Apply

Small Grants: Small grants applications are invited annually.

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.

Local workshops will also be held for potential applicants to advise and explain the application process.

New Strategic Direction: Funding to delivery actions under the New Strategic Direction are awarded by competitive tender. Opportunities are advertised on the Regional Supplies Services website

GT Team - 23 May 2012

Funding not confirmed yet but once confirmed it is estimated that an application may open in November 2012