Service User Newsletter
Aberdeen Hope Issue One
Service User Involvement in the area of alcohol and other drug use.
1. What is service user involvement?
Service user involvement means that anyone with an alcohol or other drug use problem, past or present, can take part in deciding how those services they need to help them are developed. They can do this by sharing their experience of substance misuse services and the support they provide and by getting involved at a higher level. Service users will also be encouraged to get involved in consultation on community issues and how they affect them and, when ready, to represent the views of other alcohol and drug service users in the Shire within the Alcohol and Drug Partnership structures.
2. What is the role of the Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP)?
The ADP's role is to lead efforts to achieve a healthier, happier and safer Aberdeenshire, free from harm due to alcohol and other drugs. One way this will be provided will be by service user involvement. This will be achieved by:-
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talking to service users directly
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listening to what they have to say
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supporting recovery from addiction
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looking out for leadership from those in recovery
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making sure everyone is included
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giving people the chance to develop their gifts and strengths
3. What is the role of the service user ?
Service users should have a key role in deciding the direction, main concerns and the planning of the services available to alcohol and other drug users. They will do this by carrying out a variety of work including:-
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finding out the views of alcohol and other drug users of the services available
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connecting with alcohol and other drug users and their family and friends to find out about their experience of services and the impact they have had on their lives, both good and bad
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representing the views of service users to those who provide services
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taking part at conferences/seminars by various means like telling their story or sharing their views
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training those coming up behind by peer mentoring
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developing and giving out alcohol and drug awareness material
4. What are the ground rules for the service user groups?
The groups will decide on a set of ground rules to be used for each group. These may differ slightly from group to group and yet suit each groups needs. The following is a list which may be used as a basis for the ground rules set.
Regularly attend the group, and when absent inform someone of their absence before the meeting.
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Decide a format for the meeting to suit all service users attending
Contribute to the meeting
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Turn up at the meeting sober. Anyone under the influence from any substance will be asked to leave in a firm but polite manner, and may return to any future meeting when sober
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Share experience of the affect of alcohol and other drug use with other members. Tell how well services helped/hindered their recovery
- When ready, share information on how the services provided, add to better outcomes for service users, their families and frinds
Service User Groups/forum are to be found at the following locations throughout Aberdeenshire:
- Stonehaven - every second Monday @ 2.00pm in Fetteresso Church Upper Hall, Evan Street, Stonehaven
- Banff - every second Tuesday @ 10.30am in The Harvest Centre, Castle Street, Banff
- Huntly - every second Thursday @ 2.00pm in The Linden Centre, The Gordon Schools, Huntly
- Fraserburgh - every second Friday @ 10.30am in The Stevenson Centre, Victoria Street, Fraserburgh
- Peterhead - details to be arranged.
- Teen Challenge, Fyvie - closed group - last Thursday of Month @ 7.30pm.
If you would like more information on Service User Involvement in Aberdeenshire including getting involved and/or starting your own group or if you would like your infomation included on this page, pllease contact:
Miriam Kemp
Service User Involvement Officer
Strategic Development Office
Gordon House
Inverurie
AB51 3WA
Tel 01467 628237
Mob:07836500076
miriam.kemp@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
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