Industry news – W/C 05/09/2022

The Scottish Drug Checking Project

Researchers at the University of Stirling, in partnership with Crew 2000, have launched a new website about the Scottish drug checking project. The website provides information about the project and about drug checking, and will be used to increase awareness as well as share study outputs. The website went live on International Overdose Awareness Day 2022. Access the site here.

National Drugs Mission Plan 2022-2026

The Scottish Government have released an update on the National Mission to reduce drug deaths and improve lives of those impacted by drugs. The plan sets out the framework for delivery of the National Mission and discusses the approach to achieve its aim and vision through the articulation of outcomes. The outcomes, and six cross cutting priorities, describe the complexity of the challenges faced and the opportunities that a whole system approach will afford. Access the plan here.

Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce Evidence Paper

The Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce have released the Evidence Paper associated with their final report Changing Lives. The Evidence Paper covers the evidence used to specifically support the recommendations and action points made in the final report. Access the paper here.

Here4U Scotland: Overdose Detection, Alert and Response Technologies

On International Overdose Awareness Day, the Overdose Detection, Alert and Response Technologies project, which is supported by DRNS, launched the harm reduction Here4U app. This app is designed for people who use drugs to provide a safe and anonymous space to access non-stigmatised supervision and support when using drugs. Find out more information on the app and project here.

Research Careers Tool

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have designed a tool to help researchers, in conversations with their peer groups, mentors and line managers to be more strategic and selective in career progression. The premise of the tool is to help select and prioritise activities, in a way that furthers research careers, while avoiding over commitment. It has been designed to encourage academics to focus on a subset of tasks, reflect on specialisations and skills, and may reflect wider goals and priorities within a subject area.

The tool sets out a range of activities, in a grid style, that researchers may carry out across different aspects of research, engagement and leadership. Using the grid, researchers can map activities helping to prioritise, help with career planning, complete retrospective assessments and address inequalities.

More information on the tool, and a copy of the grid system can be accessed here.

AFINet Webinar Series

The AFINet webinar series continues throughout September and October. The first on the 13th September at 2pm, led by Dr Sari Castrén, explores ‘Developing and implementing support services and treatment for affected others of gamblers in Finland’. The webinar will provide an overview of this research, including looking at the prevalence, harms and various roles of Affected Others; results of a systematic review of treatment; and an overview of a current project exploring evidence-based support services and treatment at all primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

The second webinar, taking place on the 18th October, focussing on ‘Effectiveness of the ‘Strengthening Families Programme 10-14′ in the UK at preventing substance misuse in 10-14 year olds: A pragmatic RCT’. This webinar will see Dr Jeremy Segrott present the findings from a randomised controlled trial, including background to the programme, and the main trial results.

You can register for the sessions here.

Mental Health and Substance Use: Improving our response

Improving our Response is a programme of work focused on strengthening the care for people who experience both mental health and substance use difficulties. As part of this programme of work, an event is held every three months brining together individuals across the five health boards participating in the Improving our Response Programme. The next event is taking place on 28th September 1-3pm. There will opportunity to discuss the following areas:

• Personality disorders and substance use
• From consolation to co-design
• Families are key to recovery
• We need to talk about Benzodiazepines

Register for the event here.

Getting It Right: Realistic approaches to complex needs

Registration is now open for the Scottish Drugs Forum upcoming Conference, ‘Getting It Right: Realistic approaches to complex needs‘ taking place on 5th October 2022 in Glasgow. Speakers include:

• Oliver Hilbery, Director, Making Every Adult Matter
• Adam Burley, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, NHS Lothian
• Richard Lowrie, Pharmacist, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

There will be several workshops over the course of the event including topics on mental and physical health, homelessness and supporting women. Tickets cos £80 for SDF members and £110 standard. Register for the event here.

Pathways from Homelessness 2023

The Pathways from Homelessness Conference, the 12th International Conference of the Faculty of Homeless and Inclusion Health, will be taking place across the 15th & 16th March 2023 face-to-face in London, or at a regional hub in Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham, as well as online. Colleagues are encouraged to submit proposals for 30minute sessions to be presented during the event. The organisers welcome topics of relevance to inclusion health and may include:

• Self discharge and absconding from hospital
• Ongoing support
• The revolving door of A&E
• How can physical and mental health services work better together for people with multiple needs?
• Improving data gathering and sharing
• Upstream prevention of homelessness

The deadline for submissions is 16th September and should be no longer than 250 words. More details and submission information can be found here.

Module: Working with drug users to reduce drug related harm

The University of Dundee have 20, fully funded, places available on their Masters level module: Working with drug users to reduce drug related harm. The module aims to enable learners to develop an understanding of people who use drugs, the harms they experience and to adopt an informed and reflective approach to working with people who use drugs to reduce harm. To be eligible for funding you need to be a Scottish resident and not currently studying at the University of Dundee. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria you can still apply for any of the Upskilling modules for free. Modules commence on 26th September 2022 with face-to-face online sessions which are recorded, if you cannot attend each one. The module is suitable for any health or social care practitioner, including drug workers in third sector organisations. For more information contact lmarryat001@dundee.ac.uk and to apply email HealthSciences-Postqualifying@dundee.ac.uk and mention you would like funding from the upskilling fund. The funding is on a first come, first served basis.

Office for Life Sciences: Mission Chair for Addiction

To shape and champion delivery of the Life Sciences Vision Healthcare Missions, each Mission requires a senior Chair to steer the set up and delivery of the work. The Department for Health and Social Care are currently seeking applications for four of these roles in Dementia, Mental Health, Addiction and Obesity. Applicants should be senior thought leaders who can help to drive and deliver the missions, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure maximum impact for patients. Deadline for applications is 12th September. Further details can be accessed here.

Terrence Higgins Trust: Trustees

The Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity supported people impacted by HIV and poor sexual health, is seeking Trustees to join their board, helping the charity to achieve its aims. The Trust are currently accepting applications until the 25th September 2022. For more information visit the Trust website.