Initially, users approach the Alliance through the helpline service or once of the Alliance's local advocacy projects. At this stage, advice and information will be given to enable users to approach the services themselves and communicate their needs to them. If this is unsuccessful, the user will be referred to the advocacy service, which will act as a mediator between the parties involved, providing an overview of current pharmaceutical approaches and a balanced assessment of treatment possibilities and what is achievable in any given case. We negotiate between the treatment provider and the drug user to ensure each listens to the other’s concerns with respect. Advocacy cases are usually processed through a combination of correspondence and face to face interventions.

The success of the advocacy service prompted the Alliance to start training users to provide simple advocacy in their areas.  The Alliance is currently engaged in local advocacy development partnerships with Drug and Alcohol Action Teams in Barking and Dagenham, East Sussex, Haringey, Kent, Kirklees, Lambeth, Sefton and Shropshire.  If you are interested in talking with us about local service development or knowing more about our Alliance Advocacy Associates scheme, please read the scheme overview below or email us at .

Alliance Advocacy Associates.doc