Training
Scottish Drugs Forum supports learning through the delivery of high-quality training on drug-related issues.
training at sdf
SDF provides training for a diverse range of learners who engage with people who use substances or are affected by substance use. This includes people working in specialist and general public services.
To find out about more about SDF training and our current scheduled training, please click the button below.
133
In 2023/24 the training team delivered over 133 sessions
2000
In 2023/24 the team delivered training to over 2000 participants over Scotland
97%
of training attendees said that they would make changes to their practice following the training.
Bespoke and commissioned training
SDF can be commissioned to produce and deliver bespoke training programmes tailored to meet the specific needs of local services. By utilising our extensive expertise in drug-related issues, SDF can design and deliver customised training that addresses the challenges and requirements of different communities and organisations. This approach ensures that training is relevant, practical, and directly applicable to the local context, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of services and support provided to those affected by drug use.
SDF can:
- deliver training designed to meet the needs of your organisation or group.
- deliver training exclusively to a group of staff at your organisation.
- adapt the content of existing training or made bespoke to meet your needs.
SDF can deliver training in a format that supports your organisation’s learning – on-line or face-to-face presentation; e-learning and blended learning solutions are available.
Training combined with coaching and mentoring provides a unique training solution tailored to your needs.
Examples of commissioned programmes:
Training for Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership commissioned by Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Partnership
In 2021, SDF was contracted to provide Workforce Development training for NHS GGC Glasgow City Health & Social Care Partnership. The training helps staff in various community settings support individuals affected by alcohol and drug use, aiming to increase their knowledge, confidence, and ability to direct individuals to appropriate services.
Motivational Interview bespoke programme commissioned by Fife ADP
SDF were commissioned to develop and deliver a training and coaching in motivational interviewing programme for over 100 participants across Fife. This programme was to support the capacity building and implementation of MAT Standard 6.
If you want to discuss commissioning training workforcedevelopment@sdf.org.uk
Motivational Interviewing Training
The Scottish Drugs Forum offers a five-level learning and development pathway in Motivational Interviewing practice. The pathway ranges from introductory training through to coaching for MI coaches training. The learning opportunities are interactive, experiential, practical and are designed to progress learners’ knowledge and skills in Motivational Interviewing.
The pathway will be helpful to (but is not limited to) practitioners across substance use services, services supporting MAT 6 implementation, broader health and social work practice, psychological services, counselling, and community justice services.
Whatever your objectives are, SDF are here to help, support and guide you through your journey toward skilfulness in Motivational Interviewing. Further information on the pathway can be found in SDF’s Motivational Interviewing Guide for Service Providers.
“I feel it [the training] has given me the green light to take more time and focus on ambivalence/motivation in the initial stages instead of mostly focusing on assessment and data gathering.”
To find out more about MI Training at SDF please click the button below to download our brochure.
“Feel I have gained more clarity about the components, process and implementation of MI, and due to this have gained more confidence in my ability to start delivering the intervention.”
overdose prevention, intervention and naloxone training
Scottish Drugs Forum offers a range of training options to suit different needs:
- eLearning: Self-directed and accessible, takes around 45 minutes.
- Basic Awareness: A 2-hour facilitated session for staff teams or community groups – can be tailored to your needs.
- Training for Trainers: 1-day course to prepare participants to deliver Naloxone training. Suitable for staff, outreach workers, and those supporting at-risk groups.
- Training for Trainers (Peer Supply): 2-day in-person course to enable peers to train others in one-to-one or group settings. Includes tailored support; also offered in prisons for peer-led initiatives.
- Training for Trainers (Advanced):4-day course for experienced trainers to deliver Train-the-Trainer sessions, this includes live observation, feedback, and adapting content for different audiences.
For all training enquiries, contact Mariebeth Kilbride at workforcedevelopment@sdf.org.uk
For any peer training needs, contact: Wez Steele at peernaloxone@sdf.org.uk for peer training info.
“Mariebeth was absolutely brilliant, she answered any questions we had and we had a great discussion during one of our breaks on stigma. I really liked the way she taught, it didn’t feel like we were just being flung lots of information, she went through it in enough detail and used examples etc. I didn’t feel under any pressure and felt at ease the full time. She was brilliant and just a lovely person as well!”
To find out more about Overdose Prevention, Intervention and Naloxone Training at SDF please click the button below to download our brochure.
“The trainer was fantastic – showed the reality and vulnerability of the current situation in Scotland. See the knowledge skill and passion come through. Feel confident having attended the upskill and really appreciate the time taken.”
“The training was delivered with great clarity and there were plenty of opportunities to engage and to seek clarification. Really welcomed some very practical tips based on the trainer’s experience.”
Some Available SDF Training
A full list of all training SDF currently offers as well as our E-Learning can be found at www.sdftraining.org.uk.
*Please note due to the restrictions of some funding, some training may be only accessible to certain health-board areas. Visit the www.sdftraining.org.uk for more information.