Ethnic Minorities Initiative 

This report presents findings from Edinburgh Minority Ethnic Drugs Initiative (March 2005-March 2006). The work includes the completion of a consultation examining substance use in minority ethnic communities in Edinburgh, the provision of training for mainstream drugs agencies and minority ethnic agencies, and the undertaking of a survey of DAAT’s (Drug and Alcohol Action Teams) in Scotland.

Through the consultation, lay people and professionals have indicated that mainstream drug agencies and minority ethnic organisations need to deliver high quality, confidential services which are flexible and take account of the barriers and stigma which can exist for black and minority ethnic clients with addictions.

The provision of cross-cultural and drugs training has highlighted the need for regular training in related issues and the need for drug agencies to develop and change in order to be able to offer a high quality service that takes full account of clients ethnic, cultural and/or religious backgrounds.

The DAAT survey suggested that many DAAT’s have yet to research and work on plans to respond effectively to substance use within black and minority ethnic communities.

EMEDI also delivered training to workers from drug agencies and minority ethnic services.