Healthcare providers in North Staffordshire have expressed concerns that homeless people who use Monkey Dust are being blocked by some housing providers unless they give up the drug.

The authority says this is due to the risks and behaviour associated with the drug, and some housing providers are demanding people abstain for up to six months before their application will even be considered.

Health bosses believe more support needs to be put in place so individuals can still access support even if they've not yet quit the drug.

A presentation delivered this week said specialised help is needed to help drug-takers get back on the right track.

Research being carried out by Staffordshire University is now helping the city council come up with a long term plan to tackle Monkey Dust and its associated issues.

Council officers say drug users are stuck in a cycle that stops them improving their lives (Nub News).

Healthcare providers have also initiated a three-year programme known as 'Changing Futures' which they hope will improve the life chances of people with multiple disadvantages in the city.

Council officers say these people are stuck in a cycle that is preventing them from improving their lives and the project aims to help them out of this.

However, they've raised concerns that when funding for the project runs out, it could leave people abandoned without the specific help they need.

A report stated the individuals they're concerned about have each had contact with the criminal justice system, health system, housing department, adult social care and drug and alcohol treatment services.

The programme will come to end on 31st March 2025, unless the council can find an alternative way of funding it.

Officers said: "There is 18 months remaining of the Changing Futures programme and undoubtedly the impact and outcomes for individuals facing multiple disadvantage, cannot be underestimated.

"Of concern is inevitably the impact upon individuals, systems and services should the goal of being able to source additional funding post March 2025 be unachievable.

"The cohort of individuals have each had interaction, and cost implications for the criminal justice system, health system, housing department, adult social care and drug and alcohol treatment services."

In July this year the council received an extra £426,000 from The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to help bolster the Changing Futures scheme.

It's hoped it will lead to a reduction in arrests and court appearances as well as fewer hospital admissions.

The aim is to prevent problems recurring, and include individuals with first-hand experience to help mentor those coming up through the programme.

Cllr Desiree Elliott, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "We are aware of the ongoing issues in our communities and we are working hard with our key partners to tackle the issues of drug crime in our city.

"We want to target the supply of monkey dust, and encourage those individuals who need help to come forward as we have support available for anyone who needs it.

"We want to reassure those who may be thinking of stepping out of this dangerous lifestyle that there is a real chance to seek help and turn their lives around.

"As a whole, we will continue to tackle this issue as it is imperative to safeguard the health and well-being of our residents and ensure the prosperity of our communities."

READ MORE: Staffordshire parents sentenced following death of five-month-old daughter

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.