UPFRONT
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IN THIS ISSUE
COVER STORY: VOLUNTEERING
6
INSIDE
4 NEWS Sentencing review;‘ siloed’ care 8 VOLUNTEERING Tommy’ s story 12 KINSHIP CARE The unsung heroes 18 DRUG POLICY Families campaign 19 LETTERS Your feedback 20 PARLIAMENT The mental health gap 21 RELEASE‘ No wrong door’ approach 24 DETOX Empathy from experience
10 14 22
Ketamine use disorder services Smoke Works harm reduction
A key role for occupational therapy
DDN CONFERENCE 2025
Speaker News! We’ re excited to announce Jim Duffy will be bringing innovative harm reduction from Boston – see you in Birmingham on 10 July!
www. drinkanddrugsnews. com / ddn-conference-2025
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What better way to show things will be ok?
‘ The ripple effect that keeps growing and growing.’ Bernard describes the ethos of a programme that’ s helping people through the difficult stages after leaving prison( p6). That connection at the prison gate can be transformative – an introduction to peers and partnerships that can open up a world of opportunity.‘ It’ s a lifeline for me,’ says Lee, a volunteer working with the project after 19 years behind bars.
This positivity, connection and confidence shine through Tommy’ s story as he emphasises the value of the two-way exchange( p8). Not only is he gaining much from his role after a life dominated by drug use, homelessness and prison, he’ s also offering the hand of friendship and reassurance to people coming through the service’ s doors for the first time – including someone he used to live with in a lift shaft. What better way to show someone that things will be ok?
Our stories in this issue remind us that we all have a vital role in successful rehabilitation. And with the final report of the Independent sentencing review indicating a shift towards more community sentences( p4), it’ s clear that our volunteers and peer support workers will play a more valuable role than ever.
Claire Brown, editor www. drinkanddrugsnews. com and @ DDNmagazine
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