Racial Equity and Justice in the Drugs and Alcohol Sector
Corra Foundation
In January 2021, the Scottish Government announced a National Mission to reduce drug related harms and deaths. This Mission was supported by £250 million funding. Corra Foundation is distributing £65million of this funding through the National Drugs Mission Funds.
Racial equity and racial justice are fundamental to Corra’s strategy. We want to do better in how we work alongside people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. We want to listen, learn and help amplify people’s voices so Corra, and wider society, can be part of the solution to racial injustice.
We try to apply a racial justice lens to all our funding programmes, ensuring that access is fair and equitable, and that funds are accessible to everyone. Through the National Drugs Mission Funds, we’ve spent time learning from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic-led organisations understanding the barriers that prevent people accessing the support they need.
Organisations have told us that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities face unique barriers to support and care. This includes structural racism, limited cultural awareness within mainstream services, lack of information in different languages, and heightened stigma surrounding substance use within communities.
Racism is a systemic issue. As funders, we are part of ‘the system’, and therefore of the problem. We need to be anti-racist, by working deliberately to dismantle racism from systems, including within our own organisation.
Through the National Drugs Mission Fund, 5 Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic led organisations received funding to provide support to communities addressing substance use.
Best Way Community Development. Established to tackle discrimination, racism, and drug and alcohol misuse. In 2023 they received a grant through the National Drugs Mission’s Micro Fund to deliver group workshops and support to individuals and families affected by substance use. These sessions help individuals and families to understand and navigate the challenges of substance use.
“I used to feel completely alone and judged, but now I understand more about drug use and how to seek help. The workshops have given me a new sense of hope and connection with my community”.
Fair Justice System for Scotland Group. Focused on increasing access to justice and upholding the human rights of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and refugees in Scotland. In 2024 they received a grant though the National Drugs Mission’s Micro Fund to deliver support to members of the Black African community living in West Lothian who are impacted by substance use.
Hand of Solace. Operating in Aberdeen City, Hand of Solace supports children and families from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities alongside refugees. In 2023, Hand of Solace received a grant through the National Drugs Mission’s Local Support Fund to provide crucial support to individuals and families from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are affected by substance use issues.
Recognising the unique barriers these communities face, such as concerns about deportation or family breakdown, they provide culturally sensitive, non-judgmental support, ensuring people feel safe and understood. By fostering stronger family relationships and providing essential support, the organisation helps them navigate these difficulties and improve their quality of life. Their holistic approach has led to positive outcomes, including young people becoming more confident in sharing their challenges with their families and more engaged in school.
New Life Recovery Hub. Providing holistic support to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities experiencing drug and alcohol dependency, poor mental health, domestic abuse, and various family problems. Their programmes include drop-in support, person-centered counselling, music and dance therapies, and life skills training, alongside raising awareness of the harm associated with substance use.
New Life Recovery Hub provides information and assistance with referrals, working anonymously to encourage engagement. Funding from the National Drugs Mission’s Micro Fund has supported them to reach over 100 people in 2024, with 20 now in active recovery. With the grant, they delivered psychological interventions and peer support, helping people to connect, build support network and develop coping strategies in their recovery journey.
Minority Communities Addiction Support Services. For the past 12 years, MCASS has been a vital resource for individuals and families affected by substance use within Glasgow’s Pakistani and Indian communities. Through their programs, they have connected with people who feel excluded from mainstream support services. In 2022, MCASS received a grant the National Drugs Mission’s Local Support Fund to deliver their Family Life Matters project, supporting both individuals and families affected by substance use dependency.
Over the coming months, we hope to share more stories of change from organisations funded through the National Drugs Mission Funds.