Scottish Drugs Forum

20/09/2026

Abstract submissions are open for the next Harm Reduction International Conference happening in Belfast. If you have work or insights to share with the movement, submit an abstract. Around 80% of the conference programme is shaped by these submissions, so this is a real opportunity to help shape the agenda.

More details: https://buff.ly/rYI4Usc

18/09/2026

Thanks again to everyone who joined us for a powerful two days at our Stop The Deaths conference.

The photos from the conference are now available on Flickr: https://buff.ly/pf9f48G

17/09/2026

Our new SDF View On… series explores the evidence behind key issues and sets out what needs to change to reduce drug-related harm in Scotland.

Our first SDF View On... looks at safer drug consumption facilities – what the evidence tells us, why they matter and what Scotland needs to do next.

https://buff.ly/q78NKEM

Prepared August 2026  As Scotland’s national resource of expertise on substance use, SDF has a responsibility to contribute evidence, experience and expertise to public debate.…

16/09/2026

Harm reduction is a practical, evidence-based approach that protects health and saves lives.

It meets people where they are, reduces immediate risks and creates opportunities to access support.

Harm reduction does not sit apart from treatment or recovery. It should be at the heart of Scotland’s response to drug-related harm, alongside accessible treatment, recovery and wider support.

Around the world, evidence-based harm reduction approaches are saving lives.

Scotland must learn from what works, follow the evidence and put it into action.

https://buff.ly/MTZfd3N

15/09/2026

Well done Gregor 👏🏻

From personal struggles and different jobs to a decade of purpose in support work, Gregor’s story is a powerful reminder this that recovery can open the door to new possibilities. 💙

After a stay in a psychiatric hospital became a turning point, Gregor joined the Scottish Drugs Forum traineeship, overcoming his fear of employment and beginning a new chapter. After his drinking and mental health became unmanageable, holding down jobs was a challenge.

“I couldn't hold jobs down because of my mental health and my drinking.”

Placements led to his first role in the sector, and Gregor has now spent 10 years with WithYou, where he works as a trainer facilitator, using his own lived experience to create impactful drug and alcohol training.

Today, he’s helping roll out new training across the organisation, bringing his visual arts background into the design of learning materials. And, as Gregor says, the learning goes both ways:

“Our workers energise me with their enthusiasm. I learn from them all the time.”

Outside of work, Gregor has returned to painting, continues to develop film scripts with a producer, and holds a black belt in karate, a discipline he returned to during his recovery.

His story is one of resilience, growth and finding purpose, and a reminder that recovery is possible, and it can lead somewhere you never expected. 🌱

14/09/2026

It's Sexual Health Awareness Week...

Everyone should be able to access the information, support and services they need to look after their sexual health, free from judgement and stigma.

Did you know that NHS sexual health clinics are completely free, confidential and open to everyone?

Find your nearest clinic here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic

This week is Sexual Health Awareness Week.

Did you know sexual health clinics are free and available to everyone, no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality?

You can get tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and advice about contraception. Some clinics provide additional services too.

Anything you share is kept confidential.

To find your nearest sexual health clinic, visit https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic/

10/09/2026

This Scottish Employability Day, we’re highlighting our National Traineeship.

The National Traineeship is a pathway into employment that prepares people for work through supported learning and in-work placements over a nine-month period. It takes account of participants’ unique background and experience and ensures everyone gets the level of support they need to help them succeed.

Since 2004, this award-winning programme has supported more than 400 people across Scotland and continues to help people facing multiple barriers to employment due to substance use.

🎓 90% of people who start the traineeship complete the programme and graduate.
💼 85% of graduates secure employment, mostly in the drug, alcohol and wider social care field.

The programme works with more than 40 partners across Scotland who provide learning, training, development and placement opportunities.

🎥 Hear from trainees about their experiences of the National Traineeship in our video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ11QzePwn0

For those looking to continue their learning and development, our SVQ Centre offers a range of work-based qualifications. Explore our SVQ Prospectus at sdf.org.uk.

Discover the SDF National Traineeship — a unique opportunity transf...

06/09/2026

We’re delighted that Wez Steele, our Senior Training and Development Officer (Peer Naloxone), has been nominated for the Reducing Harms Award at this year’s Scottish Recovery Awards.

The nomination recognises Wez’s dedication to reducing drug-related harms and his work supporting people and communities through our Peer Naloxone programme.

Good luck Wez!

https://buff.ly/Xf2gfrz

We're delighted to congratulate all of this year’s Scottish Recovery Awards finalists across our award categories. The nominees are...

04/09/2026

Recovery is not one moment, one path, or one destination.

It’s found in the everyday choices people make toward hope, connection, wellbeing and change.

This Recovery Month, we celebrate every act of courage – big or small – and continue challenging the stigma and barriers that prevent people from getting the support they deserve.

Every positive change matters 💜

03/09/2026

Last week, our annual Stop The Deaths conference brought together more than 400 people to explore how we can strengthen policy, improve services and advance harm reduction practice.

Our international speakers were particularly powerful, showing how evidence-based harm reduction approaches are saving lives around the world.

Scotland must learn from this evidence – and act on it.

We believe harm reduction must be expanded, accelerated and protected. It should be at the heart of Scotland’s response to drug-related harm, alongside accessible treatment, recovery and wider support.

Because to stop the deaths, Scotland must follow the evidence.

https://www.stopthedeaths.com/2026theme