1 Overview
Find information about services for people affected by drugs and alcohol on the drug and alcohol support page.
Early intervention helps prevent problems from developing. Services must provide early help, effective treatment and support for recovery. This helps people get the right support at the right time.
This page explains how the West Sussex Drug and Alcohol Partnership works and how professionals should report drugs related concerns.
2 West Sussex Drug and Alcohol Partnership
The West Sussex Drug and Alcohol Partnership coordinates local services to reduce harm, improve access to support and help people recover across the county.
We work with:
- local councils
- health services
- treatment providers
- the police
- probation services
- community groups
The National Drug Strategy sets out 3 priorities. These are:
- disrupting drug supply
- strengthening treatment and recovery
- reducing demand
Local guidance says every local council must set up a combatting drugs partnership to deliver this work. In West Sussex, this role is delivered by the West Sussex Drugs and Alcohol Partnership. This group brings senior leaders together to deliver the national drug strategy and local priorities.
It oversees joined‑up action to reduce harm from drugs and alcohol by focusing on prevention, effective treatment, long‑term recovery support and enforcement. The partnership looks at alcohol dependence and other alcohol‑related needs as well as illegal drug use across West Sussex.
The partnership is responsible for leading and developing our local:
- needs assessment - to understand drug and alcohol harms and system challenges
- drug and alcohol strategy - aligned with national priorities
- funding - to ensure resources support agreed activity
- regular progress reviews - addressing barriers and driving improvement
- report outcomes, including against the National Combating Drugs Outcomes Framework - for local partnerships and central government
The partnership principles
Shared responsibility
All partners work together to reduce drug and alcohol harm.
Person-centred services
Support is shaped around the needs of local people.
Lived experience involvement
People with lived experience help shape decisions and services.
Equity of access
Everyone can access timely, appropriate support.
Joint planning and shared data
Partners coordinate resources to improve outcomes.
Coordinated delivery
Services communicate well and work together around individuals and families.
Local visibility
The partnership is recognised locally, helping reduce stigma and raise awareness of support.
Flexibility
Responses are tailored to local needs, cultures, and circumstances.
Long-term focus
We work towards sustained system improvement and reduced inequalities.
For more information email wsdap@westsussex.gov.uk.