Work in Partnership

What does this mean?

PCTs and their local partners will wish to prioritise alcohol in relation to local need and co-ordinate action to maximise the impact on alcohol-related harm. They should investigate their alcohol-related needs within their Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and reflect their plans within the NHS Operational Plan using the Vital Signs alcohol indicator (VSC26) and the Local Area Agreement (LAA) indicator (NIS39). In order to work effectively in partnerships, partners must be agreed on a vision for the area. It is not enough for a vision to simply record the things that partners want less of (e.g. less crime and anti-social behaviour, fewer alcohol related injuries, fewer people dying prematurely, fewer alcohol problems). Partners should be able to describe what an area will look like at the end of their endeavours so that they can maximise the potential to work collaboratively and reduce the risk of becoming target-focussed and working in silos.

What is the evidence that this works?

Work by Tether, Robinson and colleagues (Tether and Robinson, 1986; Robinson et al., 1989) set out the rationale for co-ordinated action at local level. They argue for actions to shift the emphasis from individually oriented interventions to focus on policy-based interventions to initiate change at local community level.

The existence of multi-agency groups such as Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) and Drug and Alcohol Action Teams (DAATs) offers opportunities to reduce alcohol related harm and co-ordinate local initiatives. However, it is important that these thematic groups are given a strong mandate from the principle partnership - usually the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). It is important that Crime Reduction, Health and Regeneration (Transport and Planning) are all aware of the contribution that they can make to the alcohol harm reduction agenda.

References

Robinson, D. Tether, P. and Teller, J. (1989) Local Action on Alcohol Problems. London: Routledge

Tether, P. and Robinson, D. (1986) Preventing Alcohol Problems: A Guide to Local Action. London: Tavistock

Case Examples

Brent Multi-agency Data Collection and Analysis

This project aims to collate multi-agency data from all partners working in the alcohol fi eld in the borough of Brent. The data is collected from all partners, analysed and then disseminated back to the agencies involved to inform their planning and co-ordinate their response.

This project aims to collate multi-agency data from all partners working in the alcohol fi eld in the borough of Brent. The data is collected from all partners, analysed and then disseminated back to the agencies involved to inform their planning and co-ordinate their response.

View the full project on HubCAPP www.hubcapp.org.uk/L2FS

Oxford Information Sharing Initiative

In March 2007, Oxford's John Radcliffe and Horton hospitals began delivering an information sharing initiative between their A&E departments and the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). The project is part of Government Office South East's (GOSE) regional data sharing initiative that aims to build closer relationships between NHS and the CDRP.

View the full project on HubCAPP www.hubcapp.org.uk/VAU5

Hampshire Alcohol Intervention Commissioning Plan

The Alcohol Intervention Commissioning Plan consists of specifi ed actions by various partners to ensure the delivery of alcohol brief intervention services and training in Hampshire throughout 2008-2009.

View the full project on HubCAPP www.hubcapp.org.uk/VPGS