Revolutionsing user-centred drugs services

Drug users need effective public services if they are to reach their full potential. This belief lies behind the RSA’s User Centred Drugs Services project, launched in September. The project builds on the work of the RSA Commission on Illegal Drugs, Communities and Public Policy, which argued for a more tailored and expansive approach to drug services.

The RSA will be collaborating with the West Sussex Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), Addaction and other partners to develop a holistic approach to services available to users. This method will take into account a range of personal issues, from health problems and criminal activities to social networks and employment aspirations. A steering group made up of researchers, DAAT representatives and community-based service providers will work with former and current drug and alcohol misusers to carry out in-depth research.

This information will be used to design and pilot user-centred drugs services in two main areas, Crawley and Bognor Regis, with the focus on providing a tailored service. “The more the service addresses an individual’s particular needs, the more likely he or she is to respond to the treatment,” said Rebecca Daddow, project coordinator for the RSA.

The aim is to train up former and current users so they can work with their peers as part of a User Reference Group. Daddow said: “This will mean that when the project ends and the RSA steps back, there will still be a way of sustaining the user voice in the development of drug services in West Sussex.”

Look out for a new project blog, coming later in the year. To sign up for a monthly newsletter starting in October, email the Drugs Commission team.