DrugScope and its members are moving up a gear in preparation for a debate on the future of the UK drug strategy which ends this year. DrugScope is hosting a sell-out national conference on 12 – 13 July, the only major sector event at this critical juncture for the UK drug field (1).
The two-day conference in Cambridge comes as the ten-year National Drug Strategy ends and the sector is awaiting the start of a consultation on the future direction of any new strategy. DrugScope is bringing its members together with other key stakeholders in the field for two intensive days of presentations, debate and discussion on the past, present and future of the UK’s policy response to the drug problem.
Entitled Policy, practice and passion – driving drugs work forward the conference will also see DrugScope demonstrate how the organisation is evolving in changing times. DrugScope is refocusing its activities and functions to deliver what its members, the drug sector and the public need – a national, independent voice reflecting critically and objectively on the issues facing drug users, their families and the wider community. The charity is renewing its relationship with its members to better represent their views to government and the wider community – crucial at this time of broader political change.
Martin Barnes, DrugScope’s chief executive, said:
"The DrugScope conference is set to be an exciting and stimulating event at a period of great opportunity and change in the UK drug field. We will be reflecting on the successes and failures of the past and discussing the challenges and hopes for the future. This is our chance to set the wheels in motion and drive drugs work forward."
During the conference DrugScope will be relaunching its website (2). Accessed by over half a million people every month, the site is already seen as an unparalleled source of high quality, evidence-based information on drugs, drug use and drug policy. The relaunched site will have a brighter look and feel, a more intuitive interface, updated content and new features (3).
Druglink magazine, DrugScope’s bi-monthly magazine, is also being relaunched with the July/August issue with a substantial redesign and new regular content reflecting the mainstreaming agenda. The magazine will continue to set the news agenda on drugs and is an essential read for anyone with a professional interest in drugs and drug use (4).
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The DrugScope national conference, Policy, practice and passion – driving drugs work forward, is being held on 12 and 13 July at Homerton College, Cambridge. The conference is sold out.
- The relaunched DrugScope website will be live from 12 July 2007.
- New features on the relaunched DrugScope website include an online bookshop (in association with Amazon), online polls, an interactive quiz and blog directory. The Helpfinder and DrugData interfaces have been updated and users will now be able to search DrugData by keyword or document number.
For more information please contact Ruth Goldsmith in the DrugScope Press Office on 020 7940 7517 (07736 895563 out of hours) or at press@drugscope.org.uk
