About Us

The Alliance was founded in 1999 by a group of committed drug users and professionals working together as equals to improve the quality and availability of treatment in the UK. It arose from a belief that drug users needed a real voice in their treatment and in national and international drug policy. Since then, the Alliance has grown into the country’s only provider of user-led advocacy services. This unique position has led to the Alliance being recognised by treatment providers and policy makers as an important conduit of users’ views.

Members of staff are:

Ursula Brown - Chief Executive -
Linda Lee - Advocacy Manager -
Peter McDermott - Policy Officer -
Caroline Blackburn - Peer Education Coordinator, Kirklees -
Beryl Poole - Helpline Advisor -
Julie Hunt - Office Manager -


Board Members are:

David Badcock
Magdalena Harris
Abdi Hassan
Damian McLarens - Chair -
Rick Rutkowski