Decision Maker: Director for Safer and Stronger Communities
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
DEWS contributes to the GM ambition to reduce
drug related deaths and
drug related harm as 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.
The initial period of the contract has been provided efficiently
and effectively by Linnell Communications and has contributed
significantly to drugs intelligence across GM.
The contract with Linnell Communications for
the provision of a Greater Manchester Drugs Early Warning System
(DEWS) is extended by a period of 12-months (1st September 2024 to
31st August 2025) at a value of £20,950.
The extension is in accordance with the provisions in section 2.1
of the contract document (Contract Number GMCA 490).
Publication date: 29/10/2024
Date of decision: 19/09/2024