The Open Door project was targeted at the Grimsby region in north east England – an old
fishing town which has experienced a structural decline in industry and employment.
Although some parts of the region are well-linked to the NHS there is a significant group
with problems associated with social exclusion. For example the 2004 Indices of Multiple
Deprivation show Grimsby in the worst quartile of local authorities, with 25% of the
population living in the most deprived areas. The town is recognised as nationally the worst
for education and skills deprivation, with 16% of young people not in education, employment
or training. Over the last 2 years the town has also received a large number of economic
migrants (estimates as high as 6,000). Their desire for work has put even more pressure on
employability and distanced many from the sources of economic recovery. The number of 11
year olds drinking alcohol regularly is almost 4 times the national average; a quarter of
Grimsby’s 11 year old boys are drinking every week. There were an estimated 1,440
problematic drug users in the Grimsby area in 2005/6, less than half were in treatment at
that time. Estimates suggest that these people may be responsible for as many as 1,500
children.