‘I’ve never had this sort of help’: Support services praised as drug-related deaths in Hackney fall to lowest level in a decade

Hackney’s health boss Cllr Chris Kennedy said he is ‘really proud’ of the progress being made. Photograph: Hackney Council

Drug-related deaths in Hackney fell to their lowest level in a decade last year – despite England seeing record highs.

There were six deaths related to drug misuse in 2021, which is the lowest figure since 2012, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The borough also recorded 11 deaths related to drug poisoning in 2021, compared to 24 the previous year.

This total of 17 drug-related deaths last year is a 58 per cent decrease on 2020.

Cllr Chris Kennedy, cabinet member for health, adult social care, voluntary sector and culture, said: “A reduction in drug-related deaths means fewer personal tragedies and fewer families and friends left to grieve.

“We are really proud of the progress we have made and will continue to work with our partners and local communities to eradicate local drug related deaths.”

In April 2021, Hackney Council received £1 million to reduce societal and personal harm from drug use from the government’s ADDER scheme.

ADDER was launched when an independent review revealed that there was insufficient drug abuse treatment available across the UK.

Hackney put the funds into local treatment and support, including organisations like the Hackney Recovery Service, Support When It Matters (SWIM), and the St Giles Trust.

Hackney resident Lloyd Lee was one of the people whose life changed thanks to the new funding. SWIM helped him to get therapy, Universal Credit and permanent residence in 2021.

He said: “Addiction has always been a problem for me but the SWIM team kept me strong because of what they did for me. I’ve never had this sort of help for anything.

“The SWIM team has given me hope, advice and a belief in myself like never before, especially coming from prison.”

Lloyd was able to re-establish relationships with his children, mother and grandchildren.

Hackney Council will be part of the ADDER scheme until June 2023.