Using substances for non-medicinal purposes can be risky regardless of their legal status.  However, this risk is increased when contaminated, new or potent substances are in circulation via the black market.

In Sandwell the Local Drug Information System, or LDIS, is managed by Cranstoun with support from Sandwell Public Health.  It provides a way for people to report information about substances that present additional health risks to Sandwell residents.

Where we are aware that dangerous substances are in circulation in Sandwell , we will work with partners to reduce   harms in the immediate, medium and long-term.  How we  respond will  depend on the situation but could include targeted or public messaging, advice and information, outreach to affected locations and communities in Sandwell and increased naloxone provision.

Substances include:

• Illicit drugs like ecstasy, cocaine, mamba/spice and heroin
• Drugs that are only available on prescription but which have been bought from the black market (eg cannabis, diazepam, zopiclone, xanax, codeine)
• New or novel substances regardless of legal status
• Illicit alcohol, tobacco or vapes

Incidents due to  someone taking, or suspected of having taken, substances which have caused:

• Accidental fatal or non-fatal overdoses
• Unusual or unexpected effects
• Hospitalisation

General information and concerns, including information on potentially dangerous substances such as:

• New substances
• Contaminated/adulterated substances
• Unusually high or low potency substances

The information should relate to Sandwell residents or incidents that have happened in Sandwell.

The LDIS is not for reporting general concerns about substance use.  If you have information regarding drug related crime please contact 101 or, in an emergency, 999.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s use of substances please contact [Enter details]

Anyone can report a concern, including members of the public, , health professionals and police.

You will be asked about what happened and what substances were involved.  Other questions will be dependent on the type of concern you are reporting.

You do not need to know the answers to all the questions ,any  information is welcome, no matter how much.  .

You do not have to give your details or the details of  anyone who has taken a substance.

The LDIS will risk assess the information.  Where there is a high risk of serious injury or death a summary will be shared with partners.  We will look at what actions can be taken and work together to protect people at risk. The information will not be used to prosecute people for the possession of illicit substances or to identify people who use substances.

Where appropriate Sandwell LDIS will issue alerts to people who use substances and/or to relevant services and organisations.  If you are professional who works in Sandwell, have contact with people who use substances and would like to receive alerts please email [Enter inbox address]

• You do not have to give your name or contact details unless you want to.
• You do not need to tell us where the incident happened and/or give the first part of the postcode but this information will help us to focus any responses that might be needed, particularly in terms of harm reduction messaging and outreach.
• You do not need to know the answers to all the questions – any information is welcome and could potentially save lives, no matter how much or how little.
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, please leave it blank.
• Please do not include information that identifies a third party. If you are reporting an incident due to someone taking substances do not include their name, date of birth or any other patient identifiable information.

Information is collected via a simple online form which can be found below