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Contents
ON THE COVER
editor’s letter
‘We need to challenge the
narrative on homelessness’
Empowering service users, p6
4 NEWS
Worrying increase in ‘county lines’ activity; alcohol focus for new NHS plan.
6 A CAPITAL IDEA
How WDP’s Capital Card is engaging service users in their recovery.
8 THE RIGHT FORMULA
Proper understanding is key to helping people with NPS problems.
9 READING THE SIGNALS
Taking a non-judgemental approach to chemsex issues.
10 STREET SMART
The ISEU project is taking outreach to the next level, says Peter Burleigh.
11 EXCHANGE
How funding from UK Steel Enterprise is helping service users on Teesside.
11 A SAFE GATEWAY
APPG members hear how police are piloting a health-based approach to possession.
12 COUNTDOWN TO ERADICATION
Delegates at the LJWG conference get up to speed on the NHS hepatitis C strategy.
14 CZAR GAZING
Mike Trace gives a personal view on drug policy successes, failures and challenges.
15 LETTERS & OPINION
Consumption room controversies; media moguls; adverse childhood experiences.
16 BECOMING VISIBLE
Taking a new approach to homelessness at the ‘Addressing complexity’ conference.
19 THE RIGHT REHAB
Ensuring services fit your clients’ needs is the key to success, says Turning Point.
20 REVIEWS
Mark Reid on the latest look at America’s worsening opioid crisis.
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T
he rising rate of homelessness in this country is a scandal that
shames our society. Furthermore, we are passive to the theory
that through wrong choices, drugs and alcohol, those on the
streets nominate their fate as they become consigned to an invisible
underclass that will die a third of a lifetime sooner than they should.
We need, as Alex Stevens says (page 16), to challenge the narrative
and acknowledge the moral bankruptcy involved. Crucially, we must
do more to bring evidence to daily practice through simple, cost-
effective harm reduction, early interventions, and the confidence to
reach out and create strong peer networks. Turning our backs on this
situation and leaving it to others is not an option – we have the
knowledge and the networks to disseminate better practice and
ensure that people like Jo (who brought her experience to the recent
conference on homelessness) do not fall through the gaps.
An important part of the story is the case studies provided by
experts by experience/patients/service users. Their feedback is our
gain in improving services, and they should be equal partners in
consultation. Our cover story combines service user involvement
with innovation and shows what can be achieved as an exciting idea
takes hold.
This month we’re looking forward to seeing you at our annual
conference, where we’ll be hosting a debate on the future shape of
service user involvement. Let’s embrace the opportunity to create a
national network that has a clear and informed voice and strikes at
the heart of where it’s most needed.
Claire Brown, editor
Conference details and booking at www.drinkanddrugsnews.com
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February 2019 | drinkanddrugsnews | 3