Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service

04/09/2026

🎉💚 TOMORROW IS HOPE FEST! 💚🎉

The wait is almost over! HOPE FEST 2026 is happening tomorrow, and we can’t wait to welcome you to a fantastic day of community, connection, health and wellbeing. 🌿✨

Bring your family, friends and plenty of positive vibes and join us for:

🎶 Live entertainment
💚 Wellbeing activities and workshops
🍴 Food and refreshments
🎨 Fun for all the family
🤝 Community organisations and support services

📅 Saturday 5th September 2026
🕚 11:00am – 5:00pm
📍 Pleasley Pit, Pit Lane, Pleasley, NG19 7PH

Whether you want to enjoy the entertainment, get involved in activities, meet local organisations or simply enjoy a great day out, there’s something for everyone! 🙌

See you tomorrow! 💚🌿

🎟️ Tickets are still available — don’t miss out!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../hope-fest-tickets...

Come together with your community and be part of a day celebrating hope, health, wellbeing and positivity. 💚

If you’re affected by alcohol or substance use, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on 01246 206514
🕘 Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
🌐 Visit: www.daas.uk.com

03/09/2026

📅 ONE WEEK TO GO! – JOIN US IN PERSON 📅

There’s just one week left until our in-person Alcohol Awareness & Brief Intervention Training on Wednesday 9th September 2026!

If you’re a frontline professional working in health, community or social care, this is your opportunity to step away from the screen, connect with other professionals and develop practical skills in a supportive, interactive learning environment. 🤝

Our face-to-face training will help you build the confidence, knowledge and practical tools to:

✨ Start supportive conversations about alcohol
✨ Understand drinking levels, risks and potential harms
✨ Learn practical brief intervention skills
✨ Use tools such as AUDIT to identify alcohol risk
✨ Develop non-judgemental communication skills
✨ Understand when and how to refer into specialist support

💬 Sometimes, a simple conversation can be the first step towards positive change.

☕ Come along, grab a cuppa, meet other frontline professionals and take part in interactive, in-person learning designed to build your confidence and skills.

📅 Wednesday 9th September 2026
🙋 In-person training
🎟️ Spaces are still available! - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/alcohol-awareness-brief-interventions-in-person-wed-9th-sep-26-tickets-1983025146595?aff=oddtdtcreator

This training is FREE for frontline professionals working in health, social care and community roles across Derbyshire, funded by Derbyshire Public Health.

Professionals working outside Derbyshire are also welcome to attend for a small fee.

📧 For any questions, contact [email protected].

02/09/2026

Well done to the STAND TO team for successfully delivering the first webinar in their September series today.

A special thank you to Elaine, Project Manager, for leading the session and sharing the story of STAND TO, the growth of the service, and the passionate team supporting veterans and military families across Derbyshire.

Don't miss the rest of the series. Join us every Wednesday throughout September for free lunchtime webinars covering key topics relevant to the Armed Forces community.

🎟️ Find out more and book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/18548210932?_gl=1*194yk0w*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTUyOTk2MzEwLjE3ODgzNTgxNzU.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3ODgzNTgxNzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODgzNTgxNzQkajYwJGwwJGgw

Our first September Webinar is complete! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today to learn more about STAND TO, our journey so far, and the support we provide to Derbyshire's Armed Forces community.

It was fantastic to celebrate the incredible team behind STAND TO, showcasing the wealth of experience, knowledge and passion they bring to their roles every day. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment make a real difference to the veterans and families we support.

📅 Next Wednesday we're covering; Understanding Military Transition

Missed today's webinar? Don't worry. Our webinar series continues every Wednesday throughout September, with a range of topics designed to raise awareness and build understanding of the Armed Forces community.

🎟️ Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/18548210932

01/09/2026

💜 Building Recovery Together: Inspiring Hope - September is National Recovery Month 💜

This September, we’re recognising National Recovery Month and celebrating the strength, courage and resilience of those on their journey to recovery from alcohol or substance use.

Recovery looks different for everyone, but no one has to face the journey alone. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone you care about, or taking the first steps towards seeking help, remember:

💜 You are not alone.
💜 Support is available.
💜 Recovery is possible.
💜 Every step forward is something to be proud of.

Let’s use this month to break down stigma, raise awareness and celebrate the power of recovery. By building recovery together and inspiring hope, we can create a future filled with health, healing and new possibilities. 🌱

If you’re affected by alcohol or substance use, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on 01246 206514
🕘 Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
🌐 Visit: www.daas.uk.com

28/08/2026

☀️ Bank Holiday = Good Times, Great Memories! ☀️

The last summer Bank Holiday is almost here! 🎉 Whether you're firing up the BBQ, catching up with friends, heading to the pub, enjoying a festival, or simply making the most of the long weekend, we hope you have a fantastic time.

Taking a moment to think ahead can help you stay safe, look after your wellbeing, and enjoy the weekend for all the right reasons.

🍔 Top tips for a safer Bank Holiday:

✅ Know your limits – Decide in advance how much you'll drink, and think about the choices you're making if other substances are involved.

🚫 Avoid mixing substances – Mixing alcohol with drugs (including some medications) can increase the risk of harm and make the effects unpredictable.

🥤 Stay hydrated – Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, especially if you're spending time in the sun.

🍽️ Don't skip meals – Eating before and during the day can help reduce the effects of alcohol.

⏱️ Take your time – There's no rush. Pace yourself and enjoy the occasion.

👥 Look out for each other – Stay with your friends, check in on one another, and don't be afraid to ask for help if something doesn't feel right.

🚗 Plan your journey home – Never drink and drive, and avoid driving if you've used drugs or substances that could impair your ability. Arrange a lift, book a taxi, or use public transport instead.

The best Bank Holidays are the ones you remember for the laughs, the company, and the memories—not the regrets.

Have an amazing long weekend, look after yourself and those around you, and enjoy every moment. ☀️💚

If you’re affected by alcohol or substance use, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on 01246 206514
🕘 Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
🌐 Visit: www.daas.uk.com

27/08/2026

🌟 The STAND TO webinar series starts next week! 🌟
Have you registered your place yet?

Join us for a series of free, 30-minute lunchtime webinars designed to raise awareness of the challenges, opportunities, and support available to Derbyshire's Armed Forces community.

You're welcome to attend any or all of the sessions:
🎖️ Wednesday 2 September - STAND TO Service Talk
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-to-service-talk-wed-2nd-sep-26-tickets-1998373471849

🎖️ Wednesday 9 September - Understanding Military Transition
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hero-2-zero-understanding-military-transition-tickets-1998415642984

🎖️ Wednesday 16 September - Why Veterans Make Great Employees
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hero-to-zero-why-veterans-make-great-employees-wed-16th-sep-26-tickets-1998416717197

🎖️ Wednesday 23 September - Supporting Female Veterans, LGBTQ+ Veterans and Military Families
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hidden-veteran-community-tickets-1998417230733

🎖️ Wednesday 30 September - Building Connection Through the STAND TO Veteran Community Hub
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-connection-inside-the-stand-to-veteran-community-hub-tickets-1998417316991

📅 Every Wednesday throughout September
⏰ 30-minute lunchtime sessions
🎟️ Free to attend

By attending, you'll not only learn more about the Armed Forces community, but you'll also be helping to raise awareness of the support available across Derbyshire.

☕ Grab a brew, take 30 minutes out of your day, and join the conversation.

Please share with anyone who you think may be interested.

27/08/2026

What's happening in September.........

📢 Substance Awareness & Brief Intervention Training – 22nd September 2026 📢

Are you a frontline professional who supports people affected by drug use?

Join our free online Substance Awareness & Brief Intervention Training, delivered via Microsoft Teams, and build your confidence in having supportive conversations that can make a real difference.

⚠️ Drug-related harms continue to be a serious concern, highlighting the importance of professionals feeling confident to recognise signs, start conversations, and connect people with the right support.

This session will help you:

✨ Increase your confidence when talking about drug use
✨ Understand more about substances, risks and harms
✨ Learn practical brief intervention skills
✨ Feel better equipped to support the people you work with

Because the right conversation, at the right time, can be the first step towards change. 💚

☕ Come along, grab a cuppa, connect with other frontline professionals, and share knowledge and experiences in a supportive learning environment.

📅 Spaces are still available — book your place today!

👉 Book here:

A 5-hour introduction to substance use in the UK. Delivered online, this course will increase your confidence when discussing substances.

26/08/2026

What's happening in September......

📢 Free Online Information Session for Derbyshire Professionals

Drug & Alcohol Support in Derbyshire: Helping You Make Referrals with Confidence

🖥️ FREE 30-minute online session
❓ Plus an optional 15-minute Q&A

Do you work with people who may be affected by alcohol or drug use?

Join us to learn more about the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership (DRP) and the wide range of support available across Derbyshire. This informative session will help you feel more confident in recognising when someone may need support, making referrals, and understanding what happens after a referral is made.

During the session, we'll cover:
✅ Who DRP is and who we support
✅ How to refer someone into the service
✅ What the referral process looks like
✅ What clients can expect when they contact DRP
✅ The treatment and recovery journey
✅ The range of services available through DRP
✅ Additional support from DAAS, including family support, bereavement counselling, training opportunities, and community projects across Derbyshire.

💡 Why attend?
Whether you work in health, housing, social care, education, criminal justice, or the voluntary sector, understanding local drug and alcohol services can make a real difference to the people you support.

By attending, you'll:
✔️ Feel confident making referrals into DRP
✔️ Understand what happens when someone accesses the service
✔️ Learn about support available for individuals and families
✔️ Discover additional DAAS services, including counselling, family support, and training
✔️ Gain practical knowledge you can apply straight away

📍 Suitable for professionals working across Derbyshire.

📧 For any questions, contact [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you online!

👉Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drug-alcohol-support-in-derbyshire-tickets-1994143643318?aff=oddtdtcreator

25/08/2026

Are you someone with lived experience of substance or alcohol use who wants to turn that experience into a meaningful career? ✔️

The Enhanced Skills Course, part of the Lived Experience Career (LEC) Pathway is a supportive and practical training opportunity designed to help you build confidence, deepen your knowledge and develop relevant skills‼️

🟣Platform: Online via Microsoft Teams
🟣Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm (two comfort breaks and a lunch break)
🟣When: Running each month, two days a week, starting Friday and then Monday

🌟September Start – LECP Project: Enhanced Skills Practice Course – September – Friday 25th and Monday 28th- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ESPCohort12

🌟October start – LECP Project: Enhanced Skills Practice Course – October – Friday 16th and Monday 19th- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ESPCohort13

🌟November start – LECP Project: Enhanced Skills Practice Course – November – Friday 20th and Monday 23rd – 9:30 am – 4:30 pm: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ESPCohort14

Full article and more details about the Enhanced Skills Course:
🌐https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk/news/lived-experience-career-pathway-enhanced-skills-practice-course-2026/

For more opportunities as part of the LEC Pathway:
🌐https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk/lived-experience-pathway-to-employment/

📧 If you have any questions or are interested in the LEC pathway, please contact Claire at: [email protected]

Keep an eye on our page for more exciting opportunities as part of the Lived Experience Career Pathway throughout 2026‼️

See less

25/08/2026

What's happening in September.......

📢 Alcohol Awareness & Brief Intervention Training - In Person – 9th September 2026📢

Are you a frontline professional working in health, community or social care?

Do you feel confident starting conversations about alcohol and offering support when concerns arise?

Join our in-person Alcohol Awareness & Brief Intervention Training and gain the skills, confidence and practical tools to turn everyday contacts into meaningful, supportive conversations.

⚠️ Why does this matter?

Alcohol harm continues to be a significant public health issue, affecting individuals, families and communities across the UK.

In 2024:
🍷 9,809 people died from alcohol-specific causes in the UK
🏥 Alcohol-related hospital admissions in England exceed 1 million each year

Many opportunities to talk about alcohol are missed — even though a simple, supportive conversation can help people reflect, make changes, and access support when needed.

This training will help you:

✨ Build confidence to start conversations about alcohol
✨ Understand drinking levels, risks and harms
✨ Learn practical brief intervention skills
✨ Use tools such as AUDIT to identify alcohol risk
✨ Develop non-judgemental communication skills
✨ Understand when and how to refer into specialist support

Because every contact is an opportunity to make a difference. 💚

☕ Come along, grab a cuppa, connect with other frontline professionals, and develop skills that can support the people you work with.

📅 Spaces are available — book your place today!

As this training is funded by Derbyshire Public Health, it is free for frontline professionals working in health, social care and community roles across Derbyshire.

Professionals working outside Derbyshire are also welcome to attend for a small fee.

👉 Book your place here:

A 6-hour alcohol awareness course. Delivered in person, this course will increase your confidence when discussing substances.