SMART's Drugs Symposium
Friday 27 February 2009
SMART held it's second Symposium last night at St. John's College, St. Giles, Oxford. Over 100 guests attended to discuss the Government's new 10 year Drug Strategy.
A panel-led discussion, chaired by Sue Raikes OBE and former CEO of Thames Valley Partnership, which promotes safer communities, inspired a rounded and enlightening debate. Panel members included: Judge Julian Hall, Deputy Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police Francis Habgood, Chief Executive of Oxford-based Ley Community Wendy Dawson, consultant psychiatrist Andrew McBride and leading expert in the field of substance misuse Professor Neil McKeganey.
Service users made sure their voices were heard as they asked questions to the panel about rehabilitation access for non-prolific offenders, and how success is really measured by service providers.
A 12-minute film of 3 SMART clients being interviewed about their experiences of drug abuse and the long, and not always successful recovery process, made captivating viewing.
SMART thanked St. John's College for providing the brilliant venue of the Garden Quad Auditorium to host, what turned out to be, a really insightful and positive evening.
Oxford Mail article link: http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/search/4161855.print/
"As the debate about how the government should respond to the country's drug problem continues, it is interesting to reflect on the similarity between the issues raised nationally at the end of the year are similar to those raised at the SMART symposium. The different speakers and members of the audience represented views at either ends of the scales – abstinence or treatment, prioritising offenders over others to name but two. Despite the divergence of opinions on many topics what was clear was that help is needed for individuals trapped in a drugs environment – whether as a user or member of a community affected by the consequences of drug taking. It was reassuring to learn more about the work of SMART and its successes and to hear personal stories of those who have benefited from SMART's support."Francis Habgood, Thames Valley Police