Workplace Challenge...
Drink and Drugs News (DDN Magazine)
Substance misuse news, opinion and jobs for professionals and free guide to treatment and rehab for people in addiction.
'You'd think I would be a happy and content worker, safe in the embrace of a tolerant, forgiving, and understanding workplace culture. 'Allowed' to have scoring and banging up breaks, flexibility over start times (they were fully aware I couldn't function without gear and it is a universal truth that dealers are always late). Not having to hide the truth of my situation, surely I was in junkie heaven. Of course I wasn't.'
Stuart shared the story of his first real job opportunity in our last issue. Fascinating, funny, sad – but searingly honest in his reflections, he gives us an opportunity to examine that delicate relationship between a highly supportive employer and a person taking up the offer of transitioning to the workplace while balancing the still insistent needs of a body dedicated to using drugs. His insights benefit from the intervening years, but the point of his story is as sharp as it was back then: how do we frame our intentions to give someone a decent opportunity, the best support – and fair working conditions compared to everyone else who shares the workspace and has to play by the rules?
There'll be more from Stuart coming up in DDN, along with a perspective from the employer who tried so hard to do the right thing. In the meantime, if you have experiences, questions, or discussion points around this, please get in touch to share them with us!
Claire Brown
Editor
News
MUP increases to 65p
The minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland has increased from 50p to 65p.
MSPs voted to continue with MUP earlier this year as the legislation was subject to a ‘sunset clause’ when it was introduced, as well as voting to increase it by 15p. Campaigners had long argued that inflation meant that the original 50p rate had become ineffectual.
Feature
Frame of mind
Mental health and wellbeing practitioners (MHWP) can play a significant – and vital – role in addictions treatment, says James Varty, programme manager, Psychological Professions Network Midlands .
In recent years the psychological professions have seen significant change. The NHS Long Term Plan set out ambitious proposals to rapidly expand access to psychological therapies and interventions in England.
Feature
Strong suit
Service user involvement is going from strength to strength in Wolverhampton, say Christiane Jenkins and Marcus Johnson.
At the Service User Involvement Team (SUIT), we’re always looking to make an impact and raise awareness of our service and the people who engage with it. Many of our clients and volunteers are marginalised and stigmatised, and getting their voice involved is core to our values of lived experience.
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Partner Update
Taking Action On Addiction’s Sober Party at the Labour Party Conference 2024
On Sunday 22nd September 2024, Taking Action on Addiction , The Forward Trust ’s campaign to improve understanding of addiction and end the stigma that surrounds it, hosted its very first Sober Party at The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool.
This formed part of the Labour Party Conference and was attended by dozens of MPs, councillors and party members.
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