Scottish Drugs Forum

21/08/2026

We’re looking forward to welcoming organisations from across the sector who will be joining us with exhibition stands at our Stop The Deaths conference next week.

Delegates will have the opportunity to visit the exhibition stands over the two days and find out more about the work happening across the sector.

https://buff.ly/v2JQ8CZ

20/08/2026

⏳ One week to go!

Across two days, we will explore responses to drug-related harm – from the experiences of young people and families to the rise of ketamine, and national and international insight on drug checking. Sessions will focus on democratic policy development, service improvement and harm reduction practices.

Alongside the programme, delegates will have the opportunity to connect with organisations from across the sector through our exhibition stands, and continue the conversation at our networking event on Wednesday evening until 7pm.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Find out more: https://sdf.org.uk/events/stopthedeaths-conference-2026/

20/08/2026

Following today's publication of an enforcement notice on patient brokering services, our Chief Executive Officer, Kirsten Horsburgh, has issued a statement on behalf of Scottish Drugs Forum.

The Committee of Advertising Practice has published the notice to prevent patient brokering services from intentionally misleading people seeking support with their drug or alcohol use.

Read our full statement to find out more:
https://buff.ly/aUBOsel

‘Patient brokering’ in the rehabilitation sector refers to the practice of third parties managing or directing people to specific treatment…

19/08/2026

We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest peer-led research report, ‘Experiences of MAT Standards Implementation for People Who Use Co***ne and Crack’.

The report explores the experiences of people who use co***ne and crack alongside the perspectives of staff supporting them, highlighting key recommendations to help inform future service improvement and strengthen the implementation of the MAT Standards.

The report will be discussed at the Stop The Deaths Conference next week, where our Peer Research Development Officer, Louise Horn, will present the research and share key insights.

An important opportunity to hear more about the research and consider how its recommendations can help shape the delivery of MAT Standards.

Look out for the report at the conference!

Readn now: https://buff.ly/5fDA3jq

18/08/2026

Our Living Experience Drug Trends Bulletin for January to June 2026 is now available.

SDF supports 12 groups of people with living experience who meet regularly to offer peer support and information-sharing in order to improve the lives of people who use drugs and the services they use.

This bulletin includes both anecdotal insights shared by group members and test results from samples submitted to the WEDINOS postal testing service by group members and others across Scotland.

Read the bulletin here: https://buff.ly/9k7RJdr

17/08/2026

Ten minutes could save a life.

We’ll be working alongside Simon Community Scotland to provide training on how to recognise and respond to an opioid overdose, with support from Scottish Ambulance Service at the event.

Commuters at Edinburgh Waverley Station can get free naloxone training and kits at our Overdose Prevention Training and Naloxone Distribution Event. Together we can help

🗓️ Monday 31st August
⏰ 8am - 6pm
📍 Edinburgh Waverley Station

17/08/2026

Our friends at Buzz magazine are looking forward to joining the Freed Up People Make Recovery celebrations at Glasgow Green on 5th September!

A brilliant day celebrating recovery, community and connection 💜

14/08/2026

🎙️ New episode - Safer Inhalation Equipment: Why does Scotland need this harm reduction approach?

In this episode of Drugs Uncut, Kirsten and Jason are joined by John Campbell, Injecting Equipment Provision Manager at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services and Andy McAuley, Professor of Public Health at Glasgow Caledonian University.

They explore the provision of safer inhalation equipment as a harm reduction approach, including what the evidence tells us, the role equipment can play in reducing harms and the current picture of provision in Scotland.

Listen now: https://buff.ly/WJGCeYw

13/08/2026

Just 2 weeks to go until Stop The Deaths conference 2026 ⏰

We are looking forward to our annual Advocates For Change event and annual Stop The Deaths conference. This sold out event will bring together people with living and lived experience, policymakers, service providers, and health and social care professionals to explore democratic policy development, service improvement and harm reduction practices.

We hope to see you there!

View the full programme: https://sdf.org.uk/events/stopthedeaths-conference-2026/

07/08/2026

We are Hiring! 📣
We’re pleased to be recruiting an Editorial Assistant for Buzz Magazine.

For more information and to apply please click the link below.

Deadline: Midnight Sunday 16th August 2026
Apply at: https://buff.ly/CBdZrfy