An online tool has been launched to keep Scots informed with the latest changes to pharmacy services and local drug treatment.

Charities have banded together to create the database, which enables drug services and pharmacies to submit weekly updates to connect with the country's most vulnerable.

The Scottish Drugs Forum, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs and We Are With You are the driving force behind the new service, which launched on Thursday.

They hope it clears up confusion felt by many across Scotland during the coronavirus pandemic, specifically to those house drugs and those who support them.

READ MORE: Drug users should be considered 'priority group'

It will help them locate where and how best to seek appropriate help or sterile injecting equipment during the lockdown.

David Liddell, CEO of Scottish Drugs Forum, said: “It has been a cause of great concern to hear that some of the most vulnerable people in our society have not been able to access basic support with their drug problems during a particularly challenging time for all of us.

"This tool will ensure that services and people with drug problems have access to real-time information on current service provision.

It will pull resources from the Scottish Drug Service and Needle Exchange Directories, which provide information about where people can get help with problems associated with their substance.

READ MORE: Study finds ‘compelling’ case for safe drug taking facilities

Andrew Horne, Executive Director of We Are With You, said: “It has been a real team effort to create a map of all Scotland’s drug and alcohol services’ revised arrangements during the Covid-19 lockdown. People can now see, at the click of a button, which services are being delivered across the country.

“Whether it’s new arrangements for emergency 1-1 support, or injecting equipment delivery services, people can get accurate information from a central source. We can all get through these times if we work together and look out for each other.”

More information is available here.

________________________________________________________________

News from trusted and credible sources is essential at all times, but especially now as the coronavirus pandemic impacts on all aspects of our lives. To make sure you stay informed during this difficult time our coverage of the crisis is free.

However, producing The Herald's unrivalled analysis, insight and opinion on a daily basis still costs money and, as our traditional revenue streams collapse, we need your support to sustain our quality journalism.

To help us get through this, we’re asking readers to take a digital subscription to The Herald. You can sign up now for just £2 for two months.

If you choose to sign up, we’ll offer a faster loading, advert-light experience – and deliver a digital version of the print product to your device every day.

Click here to help The Herald

Thank you, and stay safe.