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Multi Ethnic Recovery Project

 

The Multi Ethnic Recovery Equality Project (MEREP), funded by the Scottish Government’s Drugs Policy Unit in 2009 - 2010, examined the needs of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Aberdeen City in relation to drug services.  Aberdeen City Alcohol & Drug Partnership (ADP) supported Drugs Action as the lead organisation to work in partnership with Multi Ethnic Aberdeen Ltd (MEAL) to carry out this work, resulting in the following outcomes:

● Increased knowledge and understanding of drug use and related issues in BME communities in Aberdeen and surrounding area.

● Improved knowledge in BME communities of drugs, their effects and how to seek help.

● Make recommendations to inform the ADP and other relevant strategic groups regarding the development of services and approaches that are responsive to the needs of BME communities.

The project was successful in achieving its objectives. The final report was completed in 2011 and recommendations considered by the Alcohol and Drug Partnership.  It is anticipated that a series of Cultural Awareness Sessions will take place early in 2012 to enable local organisations to provide a more responsive service.

The project worker Claire Miller, has now left Drugs Action.  Whilst we do not have dedicated resources for the project we have appointed a lead worker to ensure that we keep abreast of issues that affect individuals from BME backgrounds and ensure that our services are accessible and sensitive to their needs.

MEREP Final Report here.