Midlothian & East Lothian Drugs And Alcohol Partnership
Raising awareness of the work that is being done to reduce the harm caused to by the misuse of alcohol and drugs.
MELDAP was formed in November 2008 with high-level representation from East Lothian and Midlothian Councils, NHS Lothian, the voluntary sector and Lothian and Borders Police, now Police Scotland.
Our primary aim is to coordinate the design, delivery and evaluation of drug and alcohol services across East Lothian and Midlothian.
This will ensure that services are needs-led, based on evidence of what makes a difference, and delivered in an effective and efficient way. A key component of this approach is that services are designed around the needs and aspirations of people who need support to address their alcohol and drugs use , and who are given the opportunity to play a key role in service design, delivery and how well they are meeting their needs including support for children, young people and families.
MELDAP and its services are committed to the principle of recovery through a person-centred approach with the aim of supporting people achieve their own recovery goals.
MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT STANDARDS [MAT] IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
These plans are intended to ensure that services in the Midlothian and East Lothian Integration Authority areas are meeting the standards and the respective criteria for each standard as set out in the Drug Deaths Taskforce report: Medication Assisted Treatment standards: access, choice, support published in May 2021.
ELHSCPMAT Standards Final – Implementation Plan
MLHSCP MAT Implementation Plan
Public Health Alert
Public Health Warning: potentially harmful counterfeit vodka discovered
Food Safety Scotland is issuing a public health warning after lab results from counterfeit vodka seized earlier this month confirmed the presence of the chemical isopropyl, which can be harmful if consumed.
The counterfeit vodka recovered was sold in 35cl bottles (half bottles) and fraudulently labelled as Glen’s.
The public should be aware that, when opened, the counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka, and therefore should not be consumed.
When consumed, even small amounts of isopropyl can be dangerous. Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion, slow breathing, and in severe cases, coma or death. Counterfeit products with isopropyl alcohol will smell and taste very different to normal alcohol.
The scale of distribution of counterfeit product is still unknown so if you believe you may have consumed counterfeit alcohol and/or are showing any symptoms then please contact your GP during working hours or, out of hours, the NHS 24 on 111.
If anyone believes they may have purchased such products, we would ask you to contact the FSS Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit – foodcrime@fss.scot – for further advice. Do not drink any of the product and please store in a safe place to allow FSS to collect and analyse.
Recovery can mean a move towards abstinence, stability, self-development or employment.
Issues to do with drugs and alcohol affect people from all walks of life and in many different ways. We commission a number of drug and alcohol services available to people of all ages and backgrounds living in Midlothian and East Lothian. All services and how to refer can be found in the MELDAP service directory and a printable version can be accessed here.
While good progress has been made there is still challenges ahead such as those highlighted below by the people who use our services.
It is about catching people at the right time and having services to support that willingness to change.
We need a better recovery network, more events.
We have to challenge stigma-not being ashamed of your past, stigma affects the whole family.
Residential rehabilitation (known as rehab) programmes aim to support individuals to attain an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle and be re-integrated into society. They provide intensive psychosocial support and a structured programme of daily activities which residents are required to attend over a fixed period.
If you think you need access to residential drugs and/or alcohol rehabilitation, please contact
MELD Contact Service – 07843 339 958
Substance Use Service East Lothian – 0131 446 4853
Substance Use Service Midlothian – 01312859600
Council Contact Number – East 01620 827 827 / Mid 0131 270 7500
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SERVICES
What We Do
WHERE TO GET HELP
If you are worried about you own or someone else’s alcohol and drug use and want to do something about it, here you’ll find information on how to can get help from a number of services, many local.
RECOVERY SERVICES
Everyday people recover from their problematic alcohol and drug use. There are many ways recovery can be achieved and here you will find the services and support to help you change.
CHALLENGING STIGMA
People who use alcohol and drugs often face stigma, shame and discrimination, preventing them getting the help they need. We all have a responsibility to challenge stigma when faced with it.
I'VE BEEN THERE TOO
People’s stories of change can help others understand what is possible. Here are the stories, poems, pictures and photographs from people who understand what can be achieved.
HELP FOR FAMILIES
Families and friends are also affected when a loved one uses alcohol and drugs in a harmful way. Here you will find information about services and support available, including support for those with a caring role for someone affected by problematic alcohol and drug use.
HELP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
For many young people, part of growing up means taking risks and, for some, experimenting with alcohol and drugs. Here you will find information about alcohol and drug use together with details of services for young people to help keep them safe.
ONLINE HELP & SUPPORT
Support comes in many forms. For many, online help and communities provide valuable contact with others who understand the situation and can provide support through their own experiences.
PROFESSIONALS & TRAINING
Information, support and training available for staff working with people using or affected by someone’s alcohol or drug use, which are often linked to other factors such as mental health, employment and violence. Includes service information to strengthen partnership working.
Recent News & Announcements
Here is an excellent video by our MELD peer worker team in East Lothian.
They have very kindly shared their experiences with us and we would encourage people affected by their own or others drug and alcohol use to watch this video.
Our colleagues share their messages of hope and recovery to encourage others in their recovery journey. This is a truly inspirational video!
Introducing Flash
A safe space for women supported by female workers from Substance Misuse Service and MELD.
New MELDAP Website
MELDAP are proud to announce the launch of our new website. It has been updated to provide useful...
Professional Help Now Online
MELDAP are committed to Professional and Workforce Development across Midlothian and East Lothian...
Upcoming Events & Activities
29
July
Horizons Recovery Cafe
Every Monday 10 am
Event Info
Dalkieth Baptist Church, 8 North Wynd, Dalkeith, EH22 1JE
30
July
Connection Café
Every Tuesday 11am – 1pm
Event Info
Connection Cafe – Connecting with each other and supports.
Pop in for a cuppa, a bite to eat and speak to one of our peer support workers. Drug and alcohol support available for those who wish it @42 John Street, Penicuik, EH25 8AB
31
July
Starfish Recovery Cafe Warm Space
Every Wednesday 9am – 3pm
Event Info
Starfish Recovery Cafe Warm Space
A free warm space to come and chat or chill with a book or a board game.
9am – 3pm at Loretto Community Hall, Newbigging, Musselburgh.
01
August
Starfish @ The Lighthouse
Every Thursday 1pm – 3pm
Event Info
Every Friday 1pm – 3pm
West Loan, Prestonpans, EH32 9NT
Call Laura on 07843339963 for more information.
We're Here To Help!
Office
MELDAP, Brunton Hall, Musselburgh EH21 6AF
Hours
MON-FRI: 9am - 5pm
SAT-SUN: Closed
Call Us
0131 653 5162