DDN CONFERENCE
MANY ROADS TO AN AMAZING DAY
We ’ ve consulted , we ’ ve listened , we ’ ve debated . So here ’ s how we ’ re taking on board your ideas for this year ’ s DDN Conference
The theme of this year ’ s event , Many Roads , has fired the imagination – ‘ Because there is never one way , there is never just one straight route . We are never just waking this alone .’
You talked about the key issues facing members of the community , and the barriers to treatment . We discussed the overriding stigma that affects everything – housing , employment , every aspect of daily life – and you said that if we can ’ t ( all of us together ) address and integrate these needs , then the treatment system is a waste of time .
We looked at the rising cost of living , and how it ’ s stopping people from even getting to services . And we wanted to do more ( in Gabor Maté ’ s words ) to meet people where they ’ re at , embracing diversity and being more responsive to those underserved – or even ignored – by the current system .
We recognised that a support network of family and friends is just as important as working in partnership with our healthcare providers , services and commissioners , and we wanted to support families in their own right , including them in the conversation .
We agreed that it ’ s good to talk about stigma … but not good enough just to talk :
‘ We need action , social disobedience , accountability – we ’ ve had enough and want to take responsibility for this . Let ’ s campaign and make noise .’
‘ When are governments going to start listening ? I ’ m doing this because I ’ ve lost too many people .’
‘ I want to see people being able to make a difference – peer power .’
‘ We need to convert passion to purpose .’
So addressing stigma will be the main thread running through the conference , learning from each other during the day , and creating action points on a national level to take beyond the event .
Alongside this , we will show how strong partnerships – with peers at their centre – can achieve so much .
While it ’ s good to feel the solidarity of the crowd in the main sessions , we also considered that the smaller conversations are invaluable in examining issues at a personal level . So the afternoon ’ s roundtable sessions will offer a chance to ask questions and talk in a small group about specific issues , from treatment updates to legal advice .
As ever , the exhibition area will be lively and informative , with peer displays , information , opportunities and advice – and the best networking in the land !
We ’ re now finalising the programme , inviting our speakers , and planning every aspect of a great venue ( including frequent refreshments , as usual !). Thank you to everyone who organised consultations and participated in them , especially Anna Millington and Lee Collingham who ran an inspiring online event , and to all of you who sent in suggestions through our online consultation form . Every suggestion been invaluable – not just to the conference programme , but also to our content planning for DDN magazine .
We ’ re looking forward to a dynamic , productive and enjoyable day together , and hope you are too .
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