Under the radar: Impact of policies of localism on substance misuse services for refugee and asylum seeking communities

Abstract

Drug services struggle to respond to the UK’s minority communities. Despite some success, suspicion persists. The UK government has advanced localism as a mechanism for supporting communities in developing systems which will meet their needs. Drawing upon three research projects, this article examines the needs of asylum seekers and refugees, the formation of communities and the barriers which leave individuals unnoticed. It explores the potential of localism to engage and support drug users in new communities.

Keywords

asylum Big Society drug treatment drugs localism refugee substance misuse

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