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‘This service user group... have also
seized the chance to work with partners
in drug services and GPs. They’ve made
harm reduction messages and
information real and clear to the people
who need that information.’
SUIT wins first
DDN film award
The first DDN service user group film award was presented at
this year’s conference.
The shortlisted entries were:
‘How low can you go?’
, made by Carlisle House SUG and ESC Understanding Through
Film
‘Please help me, I’m addicted’
, made by the children’s and community services
departments, Norfolk DAAT
‘Binges, blackouts and bailouts’
, made by Selby District Community Safety Partnership
The winning film was ‘User: Friendly’, made by Wolverhampton Service User Involvement
Team (SUIT).
Sunny Dhadley, SUIT’s drug service user involvement officer, collected a cut glass trophy
and a £100 Amazon on behalf of the group. He said: ‘I’d like to thank all the wonderful people
who made the film possible. Hopefully it goes some way to educating society about some of
the dangers and issues people face – because after all they are just normal people.
‘I’m three years into recovery myself and I’m blessed every day and privileged that I get
to meet people just like myself who are broken and in despair. Hopefully the work that we do
will inspire them to take control of their own lives and move on and find recovery in whatever
way, shape or form it means to them.’
Presenting the prize,
DDN
editor Claire Brown said: ‘Our winner embodies the spirit of
Seize
the day!
This service user group has not just seized the chance to speak out and act
constructively in the name of harm reduction. They have also seized the chance to work with
partners in drug services and GPs. They’ve made harm reduction messages and information
real and clear to the people who need that information.’
What a Raucous Caucus!
The second half of the conference was opened by the Raucous
Caucus Recovery Chorus from Sharp Liverpool, whose singing
was very well received.
Colin, one of the two volunteers
who co-ordinate the choir’s activities, said afterwards: ‘After
years and years of using it’s so amazing to be free from substances and singing at the top of
my voice. I’m so grateful to the conference organisers who let us sing in Birmingham. The
audience were so supportive of us too. I proper loved it.’
Yvonne, a choir member on and off for the past two years, said: ‘It was such an uplifting
day. Everyone was so encouraging of us and the atmosphere was just lovely. I love the choir
because I know I can walk in there to rehearsals just 24 hours clean and sober and sing my
heart out. It was a bit scary the first few times but now it’s fab. Thanks for letting us have
that great moment in Birmingham, I’ll always remember it.’
16 |
drinkanddrugsnews
| 7 March 2011
Seize the day |
DDN Film Award
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