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How do you sum up an event like
Be the change
?
With snow falling in the days leading up to the conference
and all kinds of last minute hitches (as we waited to stuff the conference bags we heard they’d been delivered
miles away in Dover!), our nerves were in shreds by the time we reached Birmingham. But as delegates streamed
through the doors of The National Motorcycle Museum there was an overwhelming sense of optimism.
As the day progressed we realised more and more that it wasn't just about the programme – which became
far less of a formal affair, with all the interaction from delegates. There was something special in the air, something
that’s come through on so many of the feedback forms – a feeling of pride and unity and a celebration of service
user involvement in its many and varied forms. This conference has become so much bigger than us and our
obsessively reworked ideas for an interesting day. It has become a vibrant demonstration of networking and peer
support as well as a forum for many reunions. From Alex Boyt’s inclusive opening remarks, to the joyous flash
mob at lunchtime, to Andria Efthimiou-Mordaunt’s brilliantly impassioned speech at the end, this was a day of
magnificent participation and we thank every single one of you who came. Please leave your feedback at
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com if you haven’t already!
FEATURES
6
NEWS FOCUS
DDN asks what the likely implications for the substance use sector are after the Francis
report into the Mid Staffs NHS Trust reignited the debate about health service provision.
8
GETTING IT RIGHT
– COVER STORY
Representatives from the NTA, general practice and service user activism set out their
priorities for the new treatment system in the dynamic opening session of
Be the change
.
10 WORKING IT OUT
Four lively workshops saw delegates debate healthcare, user groups, media and enterprise.
14 COME TOGETHER
This year’s exhibition area was a thriving hub of activity, with plenty of opportunities to
network and explore the activities on offer. DDN asked about experiences of the day.
16 FRONTLINE REPORTING
The afternoon’s interactive session heard some inspiring accounts of what service users
were doing to make their voices heard.
18 WORK FAIR
Mhairi Doyle spent a quarter of a century helping people with substance problems into
work. She talks to David Gilliver about austerity and the new benefits landscape.
22 FOLLOW US, LIKE US, TALK TO US!
DDN’s social media streams have been alive with chat about
Be the change
.
REGULARS
4
NEWS ROUND-UP
: Health groups demand ‘radical steps’ on alcohol • Fewer heroin and crack users,
says NTA • Internet drives ‘new era’ for European drug market • Heroin deaths continue to fall.
7
MEDIA SAVVY
: Who’s been saying what..?
7
FAMILY MATTERS
:
The links between poverty and addiction are complex and should not be over-
simplified, says Joss Smith.
11 VOICES OF RECOVERY
:
Alistair Sinclair’s workshop on asset-based recovery showed that there are many
people who believe in the possibility of positive change.
20 MY JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY
: In the final part of her story, Marie takes hold of her future.
24 NOTHING TO DECLARE
:
Over the next six issues, Mark Dempster shares his uncompromising story
of drug dealing and addiction. This issue, breaking boundaries as a young lad in Glasgow.
24 REVIEWS
: Psychotherapist Elaine Rose reviews Cathy Cole’s
Motivational Interviewing Step by Step.
25 LETTERS
: No game; Bedroom benefits.
THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE: COURSES, CONFERENCES AND TENDERS
Editor:
Claire Brown
t: 01233 638 528
e: claire@cjwellings.com
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t: 01233 633 315
e: kayleigh@cjwellings.com
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David Gilliver
e: david@cjwellings.com
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e: ian@cjwellings.com
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March 2013 |
drinkanddrugsnews
| 3
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ROFESSIONALS
Being the change
Service user involvement is thriving
Published by CJ Wellings Ltd,
57 High Street, Ashford,
Kent TN24 8SG
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This issue
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Editorial – Claire Brown