Fresh concerns about drug and alcohol issues in resort

A presentation showed drug deaths in the Lancashire resort were almost four times higher than the rest of England

Drug and alcohol abuse and poor mental health continue to have an effect on many residents in Blackpool, the town’s director of public health has warned.

A presentation by Dr Arif Rajpura showed drug deaths in the Lancashire resort were almost four times higher than the rest of England, and up 50% in the past decade with 120 drug deaths between 2020 and 2022.

More than two-thirds of those dying due to drugs in Blackpool were men, while twice as many men were dying from suicide compared to women, with the town having the sixth-highest rate in the country.

The meeting of Blackpool Council's Levelling Up scrutiny committee also heard residents were also suffering with their mental health, with around a fifth of adults (21%) diagnosed with depression in 2022/23, compared to 13% in England.

The statistics, presented at the meeting ahead of the publication of the town’s official annual public health report, showed those living in the poorest areas are likely to suffer ill health 15 years earlier than residents who are better off.

Measures to tackle drug and alcohol abuse include separating support services in order to focus on each issue, while police officers are carrying a potentially life-saving nasal spray that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Figures from the presentation show there were 1,758 hospital admissions from alcohol-related conditions in 2022/23, with deaths most likely in the 45 to 64 years age group (compared to 50 to 69 years nationally).

Councillors spoke of the need to identify alcohol misuse early and offer early intervention

The committee heard Blackpool’s lived experience team "had become a fundamental link to the services and members of the team were able to have 'real' conversation with service users", according to the minutes of the meeting.

Members of the committee raised concerns at the high levels of men struggling with drug, alcohol and suicide issues.

Councillors also highlighted the need to identify alcohol misuse early and the need to offer early intervention, with Dr Rajpura saying work would continue to monitor the number of licensed premises within the town and the number of off-licences offering low-cost alcohol.

Dr Rajpura added a "Get Vocal" campaign had been developed in partnership with Blackpool Football Club and the council, which includes providing a safe space for men to come together and talk to peers in a non-judgemental setting.