Camden Council and Foundation66 launch innovative training scheme
21 September 2012
An innovative new training scheme for health and social care professionals working in Camden has been launched to ensure more frontline workers are aware of drug and alcohol issues and how to identify and refer someone who may need help.
Through consultation with service users and health and social care professionals, the Council identified that more people could be successfully referred for treatment for substance misuse issues if frontline workers were better informed about the treatment options available in the Borough. They appointed Foundation66 to deliver a series of training sessions which began on 20 September and run until the end of the year. The training has been offered to professionals including housing and hostel workers, GPs, dentists, pharmacists, probation workers and social workers.
Johanna Tuomi-Sharrock, Information Manager at Camden’s Substance Misuse Strategic Planning and Joint Commissioning team said:
“We chose Foundation66 to deliver this scheme because they have a long track record in providing high quality substance misuse training to a range of audiences including professionals and service users. We’re particularly excited about this scheme because Foundation66 decided that drug and alcohol treatment service users from the Borough should take an active role in the delivery of the training, giving professionals a first hand insight into what works and how they can support getting more people into treatment”
The courses cover a spectrum of drug and alcohol issues including the physiological, psychological and social effects of different substances, UK drug legislation and information about how and where to refer people to get the support they need in Camden.
Lead trainer for Foundation66 Sandra Sweeney said:
“We’re delighted with the response so far and are looking forward to working with the different professionals in Camden. Partnering up with service users in Camden has given us the opportunity to really tailor the training to address gaps and ensure professionals leave the course feeling more confident when working with people who may be struggling with drug and alcohol related issues.”
If you work or live in the Borough of Camden and are interested in attending the training courses please see the Camden Substance Misuse Awareness Training page for more details.
