Figure 8 has been commissioned by the Western Bay Area Planning Board for Substance Misuse in South Wales to help set-up and facilitate an independent Drugs Commission to explore the high number of drug-related deaths in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. The Commission will operate on a similar basis to the Dundee Drugs Commission that was facilitated by Figure 8 and convened between 2018-2022 [Dundee Drugs Commission | Dundee City Council]

WBDC Initial Call for Evidence release – FINAL 120423

Neath Port Talbot and Swansea have consistently recorded the highest rates of drug-related deaths across all Welsh Health Board areas. During 2021-22, there were 41 recorded drug misuse deaths, at a rate of 11.3 per 100,000 population.

In response, the Western Bay Area Planning Board for Substance Misuse (APB) has launched the independent Western Bay Drugs Commission.

The new Commission will:

• Consider the nature, extent, and impact of substance use across the region.
• Specifically explore drug-related harms and deaths (inclusive of illegal, illicit, prescription and alcohol use).
• Have active regard for the wider (cultural, economic, familial, psychological, and social) determinants and influences of problematic substance use.
• Be a critical friend to all stakeholders (local commissioners, communities, leaders, and providers).
• Use and adapt learning from the Swansea Poverty Truth Commission Model.
• Use, and adapt where necessary, the independent Dundee Drugs Commission Model (Dundee Drugs Commission | Dundee City Council).
• Ensure that our final report includes recommendations on additional priorities for practical and achievable action.

Anyone affected by problematic drug or alcohol use across the Western Bay area (Swansea/Neath Port Talbot) – personally, or through relatives or friends; professionals or interested members of the public, are being invited to tell their stories, via an  to help drive the new commission’s work.