March 2022: Opportunities to get involved with research

Alcohol use among women in South Asian Communities

Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University are seeking women with Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi background who has a current or previous history of problematic alcohol use to provide their experiences to help inform how support is offered within this community. The study is focused on women from South Asian communities who identify as having a problematic relationship with alcohol. As such, the study team would have a one-to-one chat to understand experiences of problem alcohol use and support (if this was sought). Information shared will be kept anonymous and confidential, and you will receive a £20 voucher for your time. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Dr Surinder Guru (07425631004 or S.Guru@mmu.ac.uk).

Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response: National Drug Trend Action Network

Public Health Scotland has been working alongside their multi-agency Operations Group and experts by experience to create RADAR (Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response): Scotland’s Drugs Early Warning System. The first RADAR briefing paper has been released which can be accessed here for more information.

The RADAR Network will be the biggest group in the program and will connect the program to the public and services by collecting and sharing information in a coordinated way. This is an incredibly significant role that will allow RADAR to detect, communicate, and respond to drug threats early. The Network is looking for members with a wide range of expertise and will include representation from areas including but not limited to: research, justice, health, education, recovery, advocacy, social work, housing, youth work, families, lived/living experience, and local and national government.

If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in joining the RADAR Network, please share the briefing paper and sign up for the Network here.

If you have any questions about RADAR, or would like to share information on drug trends or harms, please email phs.drugsradar@phs.scot

Dumfries & Galloway ADP: Families and Communities First consultation

Dumfries & Galloway Alcohol and Drugs Partnership are seeking young people, parents/carers, and members of the Dumfries community to complete an online survey to help identify what is currently missing in the support of families experiencing and affected by substance misuse. They are eager to implement local groups and activities as a way to engage families, young people and the community as a whole to establish how support and services can be improved. The consultation survey can be accessed here.

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs: The Leadership Network

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs have created a network for anyone who works/volunteers as part of any activity, group, organisation, or service that supports families concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use. The network allows members to connect, share successes and provide support to establish a better understanding of what is happening/working across Scotland. Members are given access to workshops based on the Scottish Families core workforce development training, facilitated by their training team. Find out more information on how to join the network here.