NEW data reveals that Barrow had its second-worst year on record for deaths related to drug poisoning in 2022. 

Figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics reveal the extent of the problem in the former Barrow, Copeland and South Lakes district areas, and in Cumbria as a whole. 

The figures started in 1993.

Deaths related to drug poisoning are defined as mental and behavioural disorders due to use, accidental poisoning, intentional self-poisoning, assault by drugs, and poisoning by drugs. 

Made with Flourish

In Barrow 15 deaths were recorded in 2022, second only to 2020 when 17 deaths occurred. Barrow is above neighbouring former district areas South Lakeland and Copeland, suffering six and 10 deaths respectively last year. 

Dave Higham, founder of drug rehabilitation support group The Well, said: "It's devastating to lose one life to this addiction - never mind 15. We need to work hand in hand with people who are most likely to die. 

"People need to know if people can break free."

The Well hires people who have lived experience of drug abuse to help others through the rehabilitation process. 

Mr Higham has recently worked with a production team making an upcoming Channel 4 documentary on county lines drug gangs in Barrow. 

The police are operating a project called County Lines Informed Cumbria (1CLIC) to disrupt organised crime gangs flooding towns with drugs. 

In March, they claimed that in its first year the project saw a 50 per cent reduction in consequential crime and demand in known drug 'hotspot' areas. 

The Well is working with 1CLIC on this issue. 

Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner Peter McCall, who funded the project, said: “As a rural county, Cumbria is affected by county lines drugs supply imported from larger metropolitan areas.

"The 1CLIC programme is a fantastic pilot that cuts off the drugs path into south Cumbria.

“The programme is partnership and community lead, to help spot potential victims and provide them with support to create a better life before organised crime gangs get the chance to exploit them.

“Drugs can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, families, and whole communities."