Drugs and Diversity - Making a Difference in London

The Home Office Drugs Strategy Directorate sponsored an event at Chelsea Football Club on Wednesday 10 March to enable the Government Office for London to bring together key regional stakeholders and community groups to discuss issues surrounding drug use and diversity in the capital.

This event provided an overview of current policy and practices relating to drugs and diversity issues, also giving insight into the new and emerging trends in the capital's drugs and diversity agenda.  Participants included organisations and individuals from around London such as Drug Action Teams, policy makers, strategists, voluntary and community groups. 

Key speakers on the day included Oona King the MP for Bethnal Green and Bow and Leroy Logan, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Black Police Association.

Speakers, exhibitors and workshops focussed on a broad range of issues within the drugs and diversity agenda.  Topics included issues relating to women, black and minority ethnic communities, refugees and asylum seekers, travellers and gypsies, sexuality, sex workers, prisons, domestic violence, pregnancy, and young people and drug use.

Lucy Dawes, Manager of the Drugs Team at the Government Office for London said:

"Recognising diversity in the capital is extremely important, and the conference highlights new challenges faced in delivering drugs services to all the communities who need them.  Sharing the experiences of people working on the strategic issues as well as those of front line staff can only improve effectiveness through communications and enhance policy.

"This conference was a celebration of the ways in which diverse communities in London respond to drugs issues.  It provides an opportunity to showcase innovative local work within this field".

Julie Clouder of the Home Office Drugs Directorate said: 

"We cannot effectively deliver the National Drug Strategy unless we meet the needs of the whole community without discrimination in respect of gender, ethnic background, disability or sexuality. This is an opportunity to discuss and exchange practical ideas for ensuring that services in London are accessible, appropriate and welcoming to everyone."

The event also had a live performance from London music group 'Bigga Fish', a non-profit making organisation dedicated to the education and encouragement of 13-21 year olds through music.