Scottish Drugs Forum

24/04/2026

💻 UPCOMING SCOTLAND WIDE TRAINING 💻

This course is designed to give workers the knowledge and confidence to recognise risk factors, identify high-risk moments and support people in reducing the risk of drug-related death.

You’ll learn how to:
• Spot individual risk factors and critical periods
• Better engage and retain people in services
• Apply practical, evidence-based approaches to reduce harm

Strengthen your skills and make a real impact where it matters most.

Register now: https://buff.ly/a5hFQQT

22/04/2026

Day 2 (27 August) will focus on emerging trends, new evidence and practical responses.

You will…

• Gain insight into substances of growing concern, including co***ne and ketamine
• Explore innovations such as drug checking services
• Understand changing patterns of use and their implications for services and policy
• Learn how neurodiversity intersects with substance use, with an emphasis on developing tailored responses

Peer-led research will feature throughout, bringing living and lived experience into focus to support effective, context-driven practice.

Book now at: https://buff.ly/XgTYza5

21/04/2026

This public health crisis demands bold action.

Five priorities to create real change for Scotland.

Read more about our manifesto: https://buff.ly/yiV2riT

21/04/2026

"In 2024 Alex went to Scottish Drugs Forum and signed up to the National Traineeship as part of his recovery journey. The 54-year-old realised his lived experience could be helpful and, while supporting other people, grew in confidence and knowledge."

Thanks to Catriona Stewart and John Devlin from The Scotsman for attending our National Traineeship graduation last week. We’re delighted to see this inspiring piece highlighting how our programme - which combines work placements, specialist training, and vocational learning - is changing lives, both for our trainees and for the people they support in services.

(It’s behind a premium paywall, but worth a read if you can access it.)

How a specially-designed qualification is helping to transform the lives of people who have been affected by addiction

20/04/2026

🗳️ Don’t miss your chance to have your say

Today is the deadline to register to vote in Scotland.

If you’re unsure how voting works, this article from the latest issue of Buzz explains everything you need to know: https://buff.ly/w29lN6R

The Holyrood election is coming up – and this is your chance to have a say

20/04/2026

Stop The Deaths 2026 brings together professionals across health, social care, policy and community sectors to tackle drug-related harm. Ahead of our speaker announcements, here’s what you can expect – and what you’ll take back into practice.

Day one (26 August) explores the root causes of drug-related harm and what effective, equitable responses look like in practice.

You will…
• Deepen your understanding of how poverty, inequality and social exclusion shape substance use
• Hear the impact of drug-related deaths on families and young people
• Examine the often-overlooked role of alcohol in wider harm
• Learn how to navigate national priorities, government decision-making and global drug policy developments

Book your Day 1 ticket now: https://buff.ly/XgTYza5

17/04/2026

🎓 The National Traineeship Graduation photos are now live on Flickr!

One of the highlights of our year is celebrating this moment and seeing your dedication and hard work come to life.

A big thank you to everyone who made the day so special and huge congratulations to our 2025–26 graduates. We’re excited to see where your journeys take you next 👏🏻

Explore this photo album by Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) on Flickr!

17/04/2026

Our Early Bird ticket sales will be ending today at midnight ⏰

Don't miss out on the discounted ticket rate, book now at https://buff.ly/XgTYza5

16/04/2026

What a great day celebrating the National Traineeship graduation yesterday!

We held a ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers to mark a major milestone for 30 people with living and lived experience of substance use, as they prepare to begin careers supporting others through recovery.

Well done again to everyone!

We are helping people with living and lived experience of substance use into employment  A graduation ceremony at Glasgow City…

15/04/2026

Today at SDF, we’re celebrating the incredible achievements of our 2025–26 National Traineeship graduates!

Congratulations to each of you - your hard work and dedication has paid off. Well done everyone!

14/04/2026

🗓️ UPCOMING GLASGOW TRAINING 🗓️

We still have spaces available on our remaining April training courses.

These courses are developed and delivered by SDF and funded by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership & ADP. They are only available to those who work in Glasgow City. If you work outwith this area, visit our Training Calendar for other available courses.

To register or view courses, visit: https://buff.ly/basyDCr

13/04/2026

Our 2026 manifesto sets out what must change to deliver the bold, sustained, transformational change that Scotland urgently needs.

Read our full manifesto now: https://buff.ly/RvUVpzp