Knowledge
Exchange

SDF works with stakeholders across Scotland to improve policy and practice.

The Substance Use Policy Group

SDF established this group to ensure communication and coherence between third sector and representative organisations involved in policy work. The Group works together to offer peer support in policy development and in ensuring good communication on substance use and related policy areas. 

The Scottish Needle Exchange Workers’ Forum (SNEWF)

SDF hosts and chairs the SNEWF which provides peer support and learning opportunities to people working in injecting provision services in Scotland and has developed better practice guidance and influenced policy around harm reduction in Scotland.  

Find out more about SNEWF at link below

The Scottish Naloxone Network (ScoNN)

SDF chairs and supports the ScoNN which supports local co-ordinators and others in the delivery of of Scotland’s national naloxone programme. It supports the development and sharing of best practices to ensure a consistent approach nationally.

Cross Party Group on Substance Use

SDF serves as the secretariat of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Substance Use.   

The group provides opportunities for Members of the Scottish Parliament to engage with external stakeholders on issues related to substance use. 

International Networks

SDF serves as the Scottish focal point for the Correlation European Harm Reduction Network and are members of the International Drug Policy Consortium. This work helps ensure we are continually able to share the latest evidence, good practice and emerging themes to inform Scotland’s response and likewise share national approaches with partners.

Consultation responses

SDF works with SDF members to develop responses to consultations by Government and others on new policy or legislation.      

#StopTheDeaths

The Stop the Deaths initiative is launched each year to support stakeholders’ understanding of their own and others’ role in preventing drug-related deaths in Scotland. The website serves as a resource bank of materials related to the initiative and information on emergency response to overdose including naloxone. 

MAT Standards

The MATstandards.scot website provides resources on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards in Scotland – for people who are in treatment; people who care, support and advocate for people in treatment and for people who work in treatment services. 

Keep in touch with SDF

SDF newsletter

The SDF newsletter offers a regular comprehensive update on developments in Scotland related to substance use policy and practice as well information on trends, alerts and other news from around the world.

Drugs Uncut Podcast

Our Drugs Uncut podcast offers a space for informal but informed discussion on drug-related issues.  The podcast features guests with different perspectives and insights. 

Events

SDF organises a programme of online and in-person events which allow participants to share insight and perspectives, and network.   

BECOME A Member

Join Scottish Drugs Forum; a membership-based charity striving for compassionate, inclusive, evidence-informed policy and practice.