The ONS data, which was published last week, revealed that there were 49 deaths related to drug poisoning in the Cumberland Council area in 2024, this was a decrease on the 67 cases seen in 2023.
Cumberland recorded 48 deaths related to drug poisoning in 2022, an increase on 40 the previous year. A spike in cases was seen in 2020 with 65 deaths recorded.
While the data fluctuates from one year to the next, a spike in cases between 2024 and 2020 was more than 60, whereas the highest figures seen between 2019 and 2015 were above 30.
What support is available?
A stock image of a young woman receiving one-to-one support (Image: Unsplash)
Becky White, Area Manager for Recovery Steps Cumbria said: “Cumberland had a drop in deaths compared to 2023, but this can’t distract us from the bigger picture. Along with the North East and Yorkshire, the North West still experiences some of the worst drug death rates in England. It is no coincidence that these areas also experience some of the starkest inequalities.
“Our thoughts are with the people who have died and their loved ones. Every death from drugs is a tragedy, particularly as we know many are preventable.”
Recovery Steps is a statutory service provided by the national charity Waythrough, it provides one-to-one support to people struggling with drug and alcohol dependency.
The support they provide to service-users includes bespoke plans to help them address their drug or alcohol dependency and move forward.
Ms White said: “Most importantly, to anyone currently struggling with their drug use: we are here for you. If you want to reduce the risks you face or speak to someone who cares. Our services are free, confidential and we will never judge you. People recover every day with our range of support.”
Recovery Steps bases can be found on Finkle Street in Workington; Stocklund House in Carlisle and Lowther Street in Whitehaven.
Ms White said: “Evidence-based treatment and support saves lives – we will never stop working to prevent people from dying. The Government’s Drug Strategy rightly sets out a ten-year vision for reducing drug related harms, which must be sustained through adequate and protected funding.”
For more information on the free and confidential support offered by Recovery Steps, visit https://recoverystepscumbria.org.uk/
Strategic action
Cumbria House in Carlisle, home of Cumberland Council (Image: NQ)
A spokesperson for Cumberland Council told the News & Star that it remains “committed to supporting residents and reducing preventable deaths linked to drugs in Cumberland.
“While it’s positive to see a slight reduction in drug-related deaths in 2024, every loss is one too many.
“Cumberland Council’s Public Health team is working closely with Waythrough – Recovery Steps Cumbria, the NHS, Cumbria Police, and local partners to reduce harm from drug use.
The council’s prevention work with partner agencies is around raising awareness of the risks of recreational drugs; providing support and treatment through local services; overdose prevention including wider availability of naloxone and community outreach for those most at risk.