Women’s drug and alcohol treatment

Early day motion 950, tabled 9 March 2023 by Rachael Maskell (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 20 members.

That this House is alarmed to see the rate of both drug-related and alcohol-related deaths among women increase; notes that women face stigma, shame and many initial challenges to accessing treatment services; further notes that women have separate and specific requirements within treatment, including the need for safe, women-only spaces; recognises that, in the past, drug and alcohol treatment services have not consistently been designed or adapted for women, often failing to cater for their distinctive needs; acknowledges the positive steps taken in recent years in appointing Dame Carol Black as independent advisor on drugs and Dame Lesley Regan as women’s health ambassador; applauds the efforts of the Women’s Treatment Working Group, comprising drug and alcohol treatment providers at Collective Voice, in working to ensure that women receive appropriate, bespoke and effective services; and calls on the Government and local authorities to adopt consistent policies and comprehensive provision to meet women’s drug and alcohol treatment needs.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Independent 3, DUP 1, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.