Today, more than 90 people with living and lived experience of substance use came together to help shape the future of drugs communities, services and then policy in Scotland.
Our annual Advocates For Change event is a space to share experiences, expertise and ideas for change. It is based on a simple principle: the people most affected by drugs policy and practice should be central to shaping what happens next.
Advocates attended from across the country, including people involved with our Living Experience Engagement Groups, residents of the Scottish Prison Service and people supported by drug and alcohol charities.
From voice to action
The day began with a discussion inspired by the new visual identity for Advocates For Change, which has been developed through a series of co-design workshops. The concept is built around the idea of voices becoming action. The megaphone represents voice, advocacy and being heard, while the badge represents pride, belonging and ownership.
Importantly, people with living and lived experience were involved in decision-making around this visual identity from the very beginning, rather than being asked to comment on a finished product. The phrase “We are Advocates for Change” came directly from a participant and reflects the collective ownership at the heart of the initiative.
That approach – putting living and lived experience at the centre rather than treating it as an afterthought – is fundamental to Advocates For Change.
Sharing knowledge
Throughout the day, Advocates heard from representatives from HMP Shotts Wellbeing Centre, Kerry Nicol and Bernie Bell, who spoke about the Wellbeing Centre and PICS media channel at the prison. Kerry also shared her own lived experience, speaking about how it has been recognised as a strength and a source of expertise in her work.
Justin Jansen from Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnership spoke about the Charter of Rights for People Affected By Substance Use, and its implementation in Moray. He described how statements gathered from 46 people with living and lived experience were used to identify what was needed to improve the system.
Mat Southwell, Managing and Technical Director of Co-Act, spoke about drug user mobilisation and the importance of recognising people who use drugs as rights bearers. Mat highlighted that we all have rights because we are human beings and encouraged people to be proactive in advocating for their own rights, to challenge when those rights are not being upheld, and to hold services and decision-makers to account.
Shaping what comes next
Advocates For Change took place ahead of our two-day Stop The Deaths conference, which kicks off tomorrow.
The discussions, experiences and ideas shared today will help inform conversations throughout the conference as we consider what needs to change to prevent drug-related deaths and reduce harm in Scotland.
At Scottish Drugs Forum, we know that people with living and lived experience have unique expertise that is essential to creating more effective policies and services, reducing harm and saving lives. That’s why Advocates For Change puts their voices and experiences at the heart of shaping the solutions and driving the lasting change Scotland needs.