THE DDN CONFERENCE … QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
• WHAT IS IT ?
The UK drug treatment field ’ s largest and most inclusive event
Now in its 15th year the DDN conference is a unique opportunity for people with lived experience , services , commissioners and policymakers to come together to challenge stigma , share best practice and new initiatives , and build more inclusive , fairer treatment for all .
The event includes a full conference programme , presentations , personal stories , and skill-sharing sessions . Its aim is to be highly interactive , with opportunities to have input into campaigns , give feedback on policy and join activists to make a difference to people ’ s lives .
The exhibition and networking area will have over thirty stands and stalls from peer-led projects , treatment services , and companies showcasing the latest products and services . It is a fantastic chance to learn about all of the support available , including legal advice and employment guidance , as well as new skills and naloxone training .
It ’ s not all work though ! Get involved in sports activities and games , watch films and find out about entering the Recovery Film Festival . Relax with some free complementary therapies , and enjoy music , art and poetry .
If that ’ s not enough to get you revved up , we ’ ve arranged free tickets to visit the National Motorcycle Museum at the end of the day !
• WHEN IS IT ?
Thursday 13 July 9.00am – 4.00pm
Delegates can register from 9.00am and catch up with friends ( old and new !) over refreshments .
The programme will run from 10.00am – 4.00pm , with breaks for refreshments , a full cooked lunch and a chance to network and visit the exhibition stands .
• WHERE IS IT ?
The National Conference Centre , also known as the National Motorcycle Museum , Birmingham , B92 0EJ .
Set on junction six of the M42 this fantastic venue provides easy access for cars , with ample free parking . Just a short five-minute taxi-ride from Birmingham International Station and close by Birmingham Airport , getting there couldn ’ t be easier .
If you ’ re looking for overnight accommodation the DDN team are staying at the Arden Hotel and Leisure Club just five minutes from the venue . We ’ ve secured a discounted price of £ 99 inc vat ( reduced from a rate of £ 139 ) and you can find the discount code and booking instructions on our site .
There are other hotels close by , or there is a large choice of accommodation to suit all budgets just a short hop away in central Birmingham .
• WHO SHOULD COME ?
Everyone , it ’ s as simple as that !
What makes this event unique is the diversity of its delegates . It ’ s a chance to meet and network with harm reduction advocates , recovery communities , representatives from central and local government , family support services , drug policy campaign groups , and inspiring individuals who are challenging stigma and fighting for social justice .
We want to make every person in the room feel welcome and get so much out of the day . Bring delegates who have never visited a conference before and see them inspired ! If you ’ re a commissioner that
HOW DO I BOOK ?
Scan the QR code or visit our website www . drinkanddrugsnews . com
truly believes in co-production you have to be there to learn from presentations on partnership projects and see real examples of this working across the country .
This is a one-off opportunity for services to showcase your work and engage colleagues . If you ’ re a long-serving professional who ’ s seen it all … you haven ’ t unless you ’ ve been to a DDN event ! Get re-energised meeting colleagues from across the sector and share the enthusiasm of people running new , innovative projects .
• BE PART OF SOMETHING !
Join over 500 individuals and organisations for an inspiring , life-changing day !
We ’ ve kept prices as low as possible and you can book tickets either as an individual via our website from as low as £ 75 or get in touch to discuss bringing a group along .
To get funding , approach your local commissioner or service , explain the benefits of being there and ask them to support you and your group to attend .
WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM MAY 2023 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 13