Decision details

DEWS will contribute to the GM ambition to reduce drug related deaths and drug related harm; this is described below.

DEWS provides a valuable resource for professionals to report incidents relating to the use of drugs, seek specialist knowledge and support, and establish incidents or patterns relating to particular problem substances (e.g. adulterated or incorrectly identified batches in circulation).

DEWS provides each Greater Manchester local authority area with a Local Drug Information System (LDIS) where professionals from a range of organisations such as police, schools, hospitals, substance misuse services, and youth services, can submit and receive reports of incidents relating to drugs, emerging drugs, and changes to the local market.

DEWS enables the review of any significant incidents or developments relating to drugs and provides support ranging from targeted information to professionals/drug users to general public announcements. These are co-ordinated prior to release with relevant GM/local organisations such as GMCA, police, local authority, and health services.

Following an open tender process, a contract for the provision of a Drugs Early Warning System (DEWS) is awarded to Linnell Communications for a period of 24-months with the option to extend for two additional 12-month periods.

The value of the full potential contract period (4 years) is £83,800 (£20,950 per annum).