Scottish Drugs Forum were delighted to host members of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee and assit them with their inquiry into problem drug use in Scotland at our head office in Glasgow on the 17th of June.
The Committee, which consisted of Pete Wishart MP, Danielle Rowley MP, Hugh Gaffney MP and Paul Masterton MP, firstly met with a group of SDF Peer Researchers, who discussed their experiences of problem drug use in their communities and the opportunities volunteering with SDF has given them.
The Committee then met with several of SDF’s recently graduated Addiction Worker Trainees – people who have experienced drug problems who have gone through a nine month paid and supported training programme with SDF, which prepares them for employment in the social care sector. The Committee discussed how the kind of training and paid employment facilitated by SDF can support people who have experienced a drug problem through recovery.
Finally, the Committee held discussions with a group of people who are currently experiencing drug problems, of which some had recent experience of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation. Mental health, street violence, policing and experiences of drug treatment services were key topics for discussion.
The Committee returned to Westminster the following day and heard evidence from organisations who provide services and support to people suffering from problematic drug use issues to consider what social and healthcare support is available for people with a drug problem
Speaking at this session were two members of SDF’s Board, Dr John Budd of Edinburgh Access Practice and Patricia Tracey, Service Manager of Turning Point Scotland, and former SDF colleague Norma Howarth of Signpost Recovery – Click here to view a video of this evidence session
On the 2nd of July, SDF’s CEO, David Liddell, provided evidence to the Committee on criminal justice issues relating to problem drug use in Scotland – Click here to view a video of this evidence session
Click here for more information regarding the Committee’s visit to SDF