Bow resident and Green Party councillor Nathalie Bienfait on the controversy surrounding a drug recovery service set to open in Bow
Dear Tower Hamlets Slice,
I’m shocked and embarrassed by the reaction of some to the announcement that the council plans to locate a service supporting those recovering from drug issues just off Roman Road in Bow.
We have a visible issue with drug use in Tower Hamlets. I’m committed to finding a path towards enabling the recovery of those with problematic drug use while also reassuring the community that the right sort of support is in place.
The Council has given full briefings to the Bow East councillors and to me as a neighbouring ward councillor. I’m satisfied that officers followed a comprehensive process to find the most appropriate location for this service, as well as a building which will need just minimal investment before it will be ready to serve clients.
The briefing also included an explanation about what the service aims to do and the stage of recovery that service users, or clients, will be at when visiting the site in Bow. This service will be for clients at the end of their treatment journeys – people who are starting to live normal lives again.
Most people who use drugs (including alcohol) do so with minimal harm to themselves or others. For those with problematic use, the causes are commonly trauma, mental health and contextual factors such as homelessness. Instead of objecting to this service, we must treat people with compassion and give them every opportunity to thrive.
Rates of deaths from drug poisoning deaths are increasing in the UK, with 5,448 recorded in 2023. Every person in treatment which will be provided in this centre is another person more likely to survive and be able to participate in their community.
Furthermore, drug issues can affect people from every walk of life – rich or poor and from any community. We have incredible diversity in our borough – a fact that we can use as a strength to stand together with all those who need our support.
I fundamentally believe that these clients will need the support and care of the people of Bow to enable them to continue on their recovery journeys.
It’s telling that all three Labour councillors in Bow East have criticised the decision, with one calling it a ‘disrespect’ to the people of Bow.
I really fail to see how supporting members of society to obtain potentially life-saving treatment is disrespectful.
Whatever fears those who are currently opposed have are best fed through to the service so that they can put plans in place to adequately meet the needs of both the community and the service users.
I look forward to both seeing the building be put to good use and welcoming service users to enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere on the Roman Road that we all love.
Yours, Nathalie Bienfait
To read more about the drug recovery centre, read our article: Could Tower Hamlets’ proposed ‘culturally sensitive’ rehabilitation centre create better outcomes for the nitazenes crisis?