Drug and Alcohol Diversity Programme

The Drug and Alcohol Diversity Programme addresses the under-representation of South Asian communities in drug and alcohol treatment services in Rochdale. A local working group has developed an action plan to tackle this inequality, and this programme represents the first phase of delivery. Funded by Rochdale Borough Council Public Health, the programme offers grants to local VCFSE organisations to lead work that complements the action plan. There are two distinct programmes available: Programme 1 (Youth Community Voices) supports South Asian young people to act as youth community reporters, developing their skills while capturing authentic insight into influences and pressures around drug and alcohol use. Programme 2 (Culturally Informed Resources & Campaigns) aims to increase awareness and reduce stigma by strengthening, coordinating, and sharing culturally appropriate resources for South Asian communities. Each programme provides a grant of £9,000 and requires completion by March 2027. Applicants must be voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups that are locally rooted or actively working in Rochdale Borough, are members of Action Together CIO, and are formally constituted. Organizations may only apply for one of the two programmes.