A drug treatment programme has seen over double the number of ex-offenders continuing with their treatment.

The programme, delivered by the Safer Worcestershire Partnership, helps drug users who also have a history of criminal offences to maintain their progress after release from prison, a stage traditionally associated with high drop-off rates.

The Continuity of Care programme, run in collaboration with Public Health in Worcestershire and Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, uses funding from both the PCC and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) to aid Cranstoun, a drug and alcohol treatment provider.

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The programme's support workers foster relationships with drug users while in prison, laying the groundwork for productive habits which they aim to preserve after release.

Public Health leaders in Worcestershire have recognised the improvement in the persistence of former offenders in their treatment programmes.

Worcestershire County Councillor Karen May, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "The number of people continuing with their treatment is normally quite poor but in Worcestershire, we've seen a rise to 51 per cent.

"This is a massive improvement, from 25 per cent just a year ago to more than double in just a few short months."

Matt Burke, county manager from Cranstoun, said: "This is great news.

"We know we're making a difference to people's lives when they come out of prison, how much this positively impacts on the local community.

"Seeing these figures proves it all the more."

PCC John Campion added: "As Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Senior Responsible Officer for the Combatting Drugs Partnerships, I am pleased to be working with partners to tackle drug use.

"It’s important that drug users, who have often been involved in other crimes, continue to receive support to integrate back into society and prevent them from committing further offences and causing harm to communities.

"I hope that, through the Safer Worcestershire project, we are able to continue seeing an increase in the number of people using the programme."

Efforts are underway to devise further strategies to ensure a steady increase in community treatment engagement.