Magazine Archive 2009

Goal of recovery Kicking the habit with sheer enthusiasm. What does ‘recovery’ mean to you? Come on, you must have an opinion – it’s been the...

On the lookout Can we always see the obvious routes to improvement? A story in the papers this week reported that surgeons would be required to...

Beyond the squeeze Don’t let recession kill the drive to innovate. Innovating in times of uncertainty can be a pretty tall order, particularly if management is...

Back to our roots Why sustaining growth is a personal business. With all this talk of recession threatening to get us down, it’s time to focus...

One way, or another Let’s make sure we spend on treatment that works. Of course it makes sense to spend money on what works, and this...

New ideas for old Try something new... but remember what already works. Hunting through the woods blindfolded while pretending to be a wolf sounded pretty daft...

Time for change Could a criminal justice overhaul be on the cards? Criminal justice issues affect all of us in one way or another – which...

When credit’s due Small steps could help cash in on long-term results ‘Because of small and avoidable money problems, people’s treatment either stalled or stopped.’ This statement...

Voicing choices Our second service user gathering was even livelier! If you came to Birmingham for our Voices for Choices conference last week, thank you for...

Trial by public The importance of not playing to the gallery At this year’s DDN/Alliance service user involvement conference back in January, one of our speakers reported...

What’s up doc? Being an ‘agent of change’ is not the easiest job. The SMMGP conference – the event for Substance Misuse Management in General Practice...

Recovering hope How a caring regime can offer real freedom. The recent debates on recovery have subjected this simple word to a maelstrom of different organisations’ agendas....

Coming soon! 

Closing the gaps Services must link to provide a stronger net. ‘We asked for help and ended up blamed.’ Sue Foreman’s story gives harrowing insight into...

Culture of ideas Inspiration or madness? Variety is the spice of life! Looking at our letters page this issue reminds me why I enjoy working on...

See you in Brum! (If we can tear ourselves away from the new website) A happy new year to you, and this month brings us to...

Keep listening Why the minister must stay in touch with his troops. If the enthusiasm and commitment of those involved were a guarantee of success, then...

A bar too far? Employers could think twice about hiring ex-users Welcome to our first issue after the summer break – it’s good to be back!...

Voicing choices One day in Birmingham – and we were all ears. There’s a lot in this issue and it’s been hard work to put together...