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The future is by no means certain
, as John Jolly points out (page 12). But the clear sense of purpose in some
quarters gives me cause for optimism. While the NTA recovery strategy continues winding its way into the
uncharted territory of Public Health England, those making their own path are gaining strength by the day through
mutual support and a shared optimism. September’s ‘recovery month’ was a public celebration of a movement
that’s been gathering considerable momentum behind the scenes, not least through social networking, and on
p18 we celebrate initiatives taking place all over the country.
While online support networks can be incredibly effective, you can’t beat the value of a get-together, as the
NNEF meeting also demonstrated (page 12). A packed programme alongside camaraderie and informal
knowledge-sharing was a reminder of the momentum of harm reduction work in this country – a movement that
won't be dismissed by lack of money or political commitment. The message from PHE that harm reduction and
public health interests are being aligned by government like never before must surely be a hopeful sign.
And for an uplifting example of harm reduction and recovery in action, see this month’s good practice
exchange, where BADSUF show off their gloriously inspiring shop (page 11). Well worth a visit!
FEATURES
6
NEWS FOCUS
Figures obtained by the BBC reveal the extent to which young children are ending up in
hospital because of alcohol. DDN reports.
8
WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST –
COVER STORY
A recent Brighton Oasis Project conference looked at how women and children could be
supported through the austerity agenda. DDN reports.
12 HEALTHY EXCHANGE
The NNEF annual meeting has become a keenly anticipated fixture for information and ideas.
DDN reports on this year’s event in Bournemouth.
15 CHANGING PROFILE
A survey of needle exchange clients revealed the need for staff to keep up with the times, as
James Langton explains.
16 CONSUMING PASSION
Philippe Bonnet, founder of the Independent Consortium on Drug Consumption Rooms, talks to
David Gilliver about the need to establish a room for Birmingham’s 10,000 problem drug users.
18 RECOVERY RISING
September saw recovery activities taking place across the UK and Ireland. Richard Cunningham,
Alistair Sinclair and Stuart Green look back on a vibrant recovery month.
REGULARS
4
NEWS ROUND-UP
: PHE ‘does not recognise’ picture in think tank report • Cannabis legalisation
could see use rise but potency fall • Eastern Europe still bucking HIV trend • News in brief.
7
MEDIA SAVVY:
Who’s been saying what..?
7
POST-ITS FROM PRACTICE:
Joining the Birmingham recovery walk made Dr Steve Brinksman realise how
far many of his patients had come.
10 LETTERS
:
Keeping the lights on; Sober fun; Real growth.
11 OPEN FOR BUSINESS
:
In this month’s good practice exchange, Julia Dixon-Large tells DDN about
BADSUF’s innovative, volunteer-led charity shop.
21 SOAPBOX
:
Is drug prohibition helping or hindering recovery, asks Neil McKeganey.
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October 2013 |
drinkanddrugsnews
| 3
F
EDERATION OF
D
RUG AND
A
LCOHOL
P
ROFESSIONALS
Spirit of optimism
Times may be hard but there’s strength in numbers
Published by CJ Wellings Ltd,
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Kent TN24 8SG
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