DDN National Conference
UPFRONT
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IN THIS ISSUE
6
ON THE COVER – Our hidden strengths 18
Creative
expression in recovery
Why is it so difficult to retain nurses ?
INSIDE
4 NEWS Scotland ’ s record alcohol deaths ; Gambling White Paper published
8 SECOND CHANCE Support on leaving the criminal justice system
10 COLLECTIVE VOICE Meet Jess Mullen 11 FAMILIES Whole-family interventions 12 DDN CONFERENCE All the facts ! 14 MENTAL HEALTH Complex needs 16 INTERVIEW Dave Liddell ’ s legacy 21 LETTERS ‘ Dear editor ...’
Launching the Anti-Stigma Network
20 15
DDN National Conference
THURSDAY 13 JULY 2023
The National Motorcycle Museum , Birmingham UNMISSABLE !
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‘ We can build on what works well for us ’
‘ Encountering difficulty remains a fact of life ,’ writes Lisa Ogilvie ( p6 ) and we know that for many people involved with treatment services , the dice have been loaded against them from the minute they were born . But as we look for opportunities around Mental Health Awareness Week ( 9-15 May ) she offers advice on developing strategies to boost resilience and improve wellbeing . The model is based on identifying character strengths so we can all build on what works well for us and reframe what doesn ’ t – an empowering and motivating message .
Of course there ’ s much to do in changing the landscape to a fairer outlook for everyone , and the Anti-Stigma Network ( p15 ) aims to be inclusive and ambitious , harnessing its members ’ ideas and initiatives to campaign for change . DDN is fully involved in the campaign , and we hope you will be too .
Listening to lived experience is important , and we should never forget that in any context . Chrissie ’ s story ( p20 ) is a reminder that management decisions must involve the people they affect – in this case a dedicated mental health nurse with years of experience . What choice did she have but to walk away – but what an opportunity missed . Claire Brown , editor www . drinkanddrugsnews . com and @ DDNmagazine
WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM MAY 2023 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 3