UPFRONT
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IN THIS ISSUE
CONFERENCE SPECIAL
Drug user unions
INSIDE
4 NEWS Scottish drug deaths rise ; Drugtaking ‘ never been more dangerous ’
6 STAND UNITED Tackling nitazenes 10 CENTRE STAGE Power of experience 12 STRONG SUIT Strength to strength 16 FIND YOUR VOICE Action and influence 22 BETTER TOGETHER Strong partnerships 23 ANYONE ’ S CHILD Time to reflect
8 14 20
Battling the system
Mental health and wellbeing
‘ STRONGER TOGETHER ’
THANK YOU for travelling to the DDN Conference and for all your feedback !
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The ideas flow ... things feel possible
‘ We already knew what works .’ This statement referred to peers mobilising with urgency around nitazenes – but it came up again and again throughout the DDN Conference . As each individual or team stepped forward we heard the passion , the evidence and the impact of people with lived / living experience being the lifeblood of services .
This is what happens when you bring peers together from all over the country . The ideas flow , inspiration is generated and things feel possible . By the afternoon session we were in full flow , debating effective campaigns , meaningful service user engagement and political persuasion – and how we could make sure that the enthusiasm for being involved and the appetitite for change could translate into expertise and a valuable contribution to policymaking . Why wait for others to decide what ’ s best for you ? Inform , educate , influence – see page 19 for how to get involved .
Visit our website for more pics and videos . It ’ s more than a conference – it ’ s a reminder of the team spirit we share , whether you were at the event or not . Let us know what you ’ re doing in your area to keep this spirit alive and kicking .
Claire Brown , editor www . drinkanddrugsnews . com and @ DDNmagazine
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