May 2004 Citizens' Panel Survey
The May 2004 Survey was based around the theme of Community
Safety and Drug and Alcohol Misuse. We know that these issues are
very important to residents in Worcestershire. In the latest
General Satisfaction Survey 2003/04 for Worcestershire County
Council, a low level of crime was highlighted as being the most
important factor in making somewhere a good place to live. The
misuse of drugs and alcohol was identified as an issue that needs
to be given attention.
Questions covered Perception and Experience of Crime, Underlying
Causes of Crime, Information and Advice on Drug & Alcohol
Misuse, Perception of Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Priorities for
Tackling Drug and Alcohol Misuse.
These survey results will be used in two ways. Firstly to inform
the development of Crime & Disorder strategies. These
strategies aim to make local communities safer places in which to
live and work. They are drawn together by District Community Safety
Partnerships.
Secondly the results will be used by the Worcestershire
Substance Misuse Action Team (SMAT). Worcestershire SMAT brings
together representatives of all local agencies involved in tackling
the misuse of drugs and alcohol, including Primary Care Trusts,
Local Authorities, West Mercia Constabulary, National Probation
Service (West Mercia), Social Services, Local Education Authority,
Connexions, Prison Service and Youth Offending Services (YOS). The
SMAT works to reduce the harm that drugs and alcohol cause to
individuals, families and communities within Worcestershire.
Worcestershire. SMAT is focusing on the following five
outcomes:
1.
To reduce drug related deaths and drug related ill
health
2. To reduce drug and alcohol related
crime and disorder
3. To reduce social and
educational exclusion
4. To increase positive
outcomes from drug and alcohol treatment
5. To improve access to
drug and alcohol treatment and support.
The results of this survey will influence, alongside other
consultation and data, a strategy to reduce the harm of drug and
alcohol misuse in the County.
The survey period ran from 4th May to 7th June 2004.