We’ve been busy since our last update, so there’s a lot here to get through.
Another language guide?
We’re really pleased to be launching our first report on stigma and language. There are some great language guides around and we try to support them all so that people can find a range of resources that work for them.
We hope this one will be a useful guide for organisations that are less familiar with the drug and alcohol treatment sector’s terminology. Use of language sets the tone for how we treat people in society and how we expect to be treated. It’s important to be mindful of what we say about others, and ourselves, and what our words imply. But also, to avoid policing language to the extent that we hinder open discussion about substance use.
This is our latest report on language but it won’t be our last, so please do let us know what you think and as language evolves, and our consciousness expands, we’ll keep reviewing and updating.
Download the guide here.
Dates and events
We are delighted to announce the next guest speaker line-up for our March webinar, Developing inclusion – substance use related stigma across general practice:
- Dr Hugh Gallagher
Dr Gallagher trained as a GP and has worked exclusively in addiction for over 28 years. He has worked in community and residential settings within the public, charitable and private sectors. Now working within an alcohol specific programme in Ireland, he still works ad hoc at Smarmore Castle treatment centre where he resided as the medical director. He has also been involved in writing guidelines for the Irish College of General Practitioners in the management of Alcohol Use Disorder, and is involved in teaching doctors where he stresses application of the basic principles of humanity when supporting people affected by alcohol and substance use. - Dr Bern Martin
Dr Hard is a GP who worked with people who use drugs for 20 years, focusing on complex presentations both in forensic settings and with people experiencing homelessness. She left clinical practice two years ago after being victim of work placed violence which resulted in PTSD. She is prepared to share her experience and perspective in the hope that it will help build trust and understanding, and lead to a more compassionate and psychologically environment for everybody. - Dr Joss Bray
Dr Bray was a GP for 14 years before moving entirely into substance use. He has extensive experience and expertise across a wide range of medical practice in substance misuse treatment – including psychiatric settings, general practice, community substance misuse services, residential treatment services and prison environments. He’s also been awarded both the Fellowship of the RCGP and also Fellowship of the RCPsych in recognition of his work. He is also the founder of Competent Compassion, which is a gold standard ethos for quality of care across health services.
Find out more and book your place here.
Exploring cultural experiences of stigma – your questions answered
Thank you to everyone who attended our last webinar looking at how the stigma of drug and alcohol use within some minoritised communities can create barriers in accessing support.
The answers to the questions you asked are here.
Didn’t get a chance to see our last webinar?
Find it on our new YouTube Channel here.
New date for the No Agenda Drop-in sessions
The No Agenda Drop-in session is an informal space for network members to meet other network members, exchange ideas, ask questions, or listen to others talk about their anti-stigma work.
Tuesday 8 April
11am – 12pm
Teams link: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 387 338 386 181
Passcode: mu3d9J7F
Support the Network
By amplifying our message, sharing our work, and encouraging people to join us, you help to expand our reach. The more people we can reach, the more anti-stigma conversations we can have, and the more we can bring about meaningful change to people affected by the stigma of drug and alcohol use.
Share this update with a colleague, friends or family, repost one of our messages on your socials or ask someone if they would consider joining the Network: Join Us — Anti-Stigma Network.
We believe a network of mutual support can move us towards our aim to end stigma. Collectively we can.
Want to learn more about stigma?
Visit our anti-stigma resources page here.
This blog was originally published by the Anti-Stigma Network.
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We are proud to work in partnership with many of the leading charities and treatment providers in the sector.
This content was created by the Anti-Stigma Network