The DDN Conference 2024 offered a packed programme of inspirational presentations, interactive sessions, networking, socialising and much more!
Take a look at our highlight reels below for a quick recap of the day…
SESSION ONE
The first session of Stronger Together explored how people could unite to address the ever-increasing risks from nitazenes and other potent synthetic drugs
Deb Hussey and Jude Duncan from Turning Point demonstrated the importance of peer-led education and engagement in tackling the ongoing risks from nitazenes and other novel and synthetic opioids.
Release’s Shayla Schlossenberg tackled some of the issues around equal rights to healthcare that have made her regular ‘rough treatment’ column a must-read in DDN.
B3 Brent explained how a peer-led user organisation works closely with their local service provider to provide needle exchange and other vital services and increase engagement.
Watch the highlights here:
SESSION TWO
The day’s second session heard from three different organisations who were putting lived experience at the heart of their activities
Gareth Balmer and the Fife WithYou team shared ideas from a strong peer network to enhance harm reduction services and prevent drug related death.
Soulgetic’s founder Stella Kityo shared inspiration on empowering women and strengthening communities.
Red Rose Recovery delivered a blueprint for creating meaningful service user led forums, that help to create recovery-ready communities and give an important voice to those accessing treatment systems.
Watch the highlights here:
SESSION THREE
The afternoon session saw lively, interactive discussions on three crucial topics – the ongoing fight against hep C, ensuring user involvement is genuine and at the heart of services, and getting the sector’s key issues into the in-trays of our new crop of MPs
Deanne Burch (Hep C U Later) and Deborah Moores (Humankind) provided an update on the fight to tackle hep C and the importance of acting now while funding for treatment is available.
Change Grow Live’s Nic Adamson spoke about the goal of making sure genuine service user involvement runs through services, influencing better practice and treatment, challenging stigma and giving everyone a voice.
Forward Trust’s Mike Trace offered an update on the state of play post election, tips and tricks on engaging politicians, and the importance of keeping the pressure on.
Watch the highlights here:
Stay tuned for more conference coverage coming very soon!
If you have any feedback, photos or video clips of the day, we’d love to hear from you. Please share on social media using the hashtag #ddnconf or send to us directly via DM or by emailing carly@cjwellings.com