The Release Helpline and the BMCR data collection – more problems caused by prohibition
A theme running through many of the entries in this blog over the past couple of years has been the cod science employed to justify prohibition , the easy to understand desire of the prohibition regime to silence descenting voices and the perceived need by politicians to control the flow of information. The reason for all this is simple: Prohibition would be exposed as the dangerous, repressive sham that it is if a free flow of information were allowed. The past week have seen two developments which illustrate this situation all too well.
The first comes from one of the few long running truly independent drugs groups in the country, a desperate plea from Release for a cash injection to fund their helpline. Release have been proudly distinct from most other drug agencies in England at least (Crew in Scotland can also hold its head high) by being willing to speak out against prohibition, unlike other once vocal agencies they never took the government’s shilling and agreed to keep quiet about the need for law reform.
The help line page is here and explains the helpline has two elements; the legal help and drugs help.
Legal Helpline
The legal helpline is staffed by qualified lawyers, paralegals and trained volunteers, who will provide information and advice to the public and professionals. Legal advice is provided on criminal matters; drugs classification; anti social behaviour orders; legal issues pertinent to drugs users such as travelling with prescribed controlled drugs, the impact of criminal convictions and cautions, drug use and its impact on driving requirements. Advice can also be provided on other legal issues — if the legal team cannot assist you with your enquiry, they will provide details of other services that can.Representation is not a service offered through the helpline although in some cases where there are issues of public law arising, Release will be able to refer you to lawyers who specialise in this area.
Drugs Helpline
Our drug services are managed and run by a team of specialist advisors assisted by trained volunteers.The drugs team provides help, advice, information, support and referral to people affected directly and indirectly by drug use.
This is an essential service and more than that it’s a trusted service. Unlike Frank this isn’t a government run advertising campaign aimed at promoting the prohibition policy with an advice service tacked on; Release is a service aimed at drugs users which grew from the street scene and never forgot its roots. It can still be trusted to view the people who needs its help as victims rather than criminals, unlike Frank which certainly does not. The irony is that “Frank” is the major referrer of clients to the Release service because, despite being funded by massive government handouts Frank doesn’t have the expertise that Release has.
All this is in serious jeopardy and the Release Helpline will have to close soon if it doesn’t get a fix of more cash and quickly. Release needs your help and needs it now, you can make donations via its website here but more than that you can also help in other ways. There’s a facebook page here, please have a look and do what you can to help, but time is tight and this invaluable service might not be around much longer.
It’s worth remembering that the Release helpline closing would be a significant boost for the prohibition regime. Truly independent voices are a thorn in the side of the Home Office which would much rather have sole control of the “information” about drugs, don’t let Frank become the only source of help and advice.
Read the full article at the UKCIA News Blog