Scottish Drugs Forum

22/05/2026

📣 Limited exhibition stands remaining

This is your opportunity to showcase your work, connect with key stakeholders and be part of the conversation driving change.

📧 Spaces are limited, secure your stand today by contacting juliehm@sdf.org.uk

21/05/2026

Maree Todd MSP has been named as the new Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs. Read our statement on her expanded brief.

https://buff.ly/9ZL0e21

21/05/2026

A trusted national resource made easier to use.

We’ve relaunched the national directory for drug and alcohol services, including injecting equipment provision.

This free and publicly accessible tool helps people find local support quickly and when they need it – whether for themselves or someone they care about.

It also supports professionals across health and social care to connect people with appropriate services more easily.

🔗 Visit the directory: drugandalcoholservices.scot

20/05/2026

We were pleased to take part in the Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership networking event at Glasgow City Chambers.

Thank you to everyone who made time to visit our stall, find out about SDF and discuss shared priorities.

20/05/2026

🚨SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT🚨

We are proud to welcome Sarah Helm (Pākehā, Kāi Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha) to Scotland for our Stop The Deaths conference.

Sarah is the Executive Director of NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri – an organisation working to transform the way Aotearoa New Zealand responds to drugs and supports people who use them.

On Day 2 of Stop The Deaths, Sarah will present ground-breaking research on the link between neurodivergent conditions and substance use. The session will explore emerging thinking around the need for more diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of taking a neuro-diverse informed approach to harm reduction and addiction treatment.

During her time leading the NZ Drug Foundation, Sarah has focused on reducing overdose fatalities, advancing law reform, and growing Māori-led harm reduction and Indigenous voices on the international stage.

She will play an active role throughout the conference, also sharing policy insights from New Zealand and speaking about the country’s drug checking programme.

📆 26 & 27 August
📍 Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
🔗 Book now: https://buff.ly/biBtQOD

19/05/2026

🗓️ UPCOMING GLASGOW TRAINING 🗓️

We still have spaces available on our June 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 to view courses, visit sdflearningcentre.org.uk

18/05/2026

Testing saves lives.

Regular testing for HIV and hepatitis can help people get treatment and support early – especially for those who may be at increased risk.

There should never be shame in accessing healthcare or harm reduction services.

This European Testing Week, let’s normalise testing and reduce stigma together.

15/05/2026

As we reach the end of Mental Health Awareness Week, we remain committed to promoting support that is compassionate, accessible and free from judgement.

Mental health and substance use are often closely connected, and nobody should have to struggle alone.

💜 Reach out
💜 Check in on someone
💜 Ask for support if you need it

Mental Health Foundation

15/05/2026

We still have spaces available for our in-person Drug Awareness training on Monday 19 May at 9:30am.

This facilitator-led course aims to increase drug awareness and knowledge, while exploring current and emerging trends in substance use, harm reduction and support strategies. Participants will also gain a better understanding of overdose response and effective ways to support people who use drugs.

🔗 Book your space now: https://buff.ly/ctXeuDH

14/05/2026

🚨SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT🚨

We are honoured to announce that Ruth Dreifuss will be speaking at this year’s Stop The Deaths conference.

A former President of the Swiss Confederation and a founding member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, Ms Dreifuss is internationally recognised for her leadership on progressive drug policy, public health and harm reduction. During her time in government, she helped pioneer approaches to drug use and HIV/AIDS prevention that continue to influence policy around the world.

Ms Dreifuss will share her insights on international policy developments and the future of drug policy reform on the first day of Stop The Deaths.

Her participation reflects the role of our conference in bringing together experts and innovators to explore fresh perspectives and bold ideas, as we work collectively to strengthen Scotland’s approach to drug-related harm.

📆 26 & 27 August
📍 Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
🔗 Book now: https://buff.ly/biBtQOD

13/05/2026

📢 Have your say on safer drug consumption in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership is exploring a proposal to open a safer drug consumption facility (SDCF) in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Find out why we at SDF support the introduction of a SDCF by reading our blog.

You can give your views by responding to Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership ‘s online questionnaire or attending a drop-in session – find out more by following the link in comments.

https://buff.ly/SyELida

Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership’s consultation is open until 1 July In our manifesto, we set out our ambition for national network…