New toolkit to support volunteers and volunteering around families and substance use

Adfam, along with eATA, DrugScope and The Alliance, is a member of the Drug Sector Partnership (DSP). The DSP exists to provide a voice for the drug and alcohol sector in its working with government. Adfam is responsible for carrying out the workforce development strand of the DSP’s work.

The first part of the workforce development project consisted of the developing of role profiles for the sector, based on consultation both online and in person, and a review of existing resources. The second part of the project consisted of launching a training directory for any training around families and drugs and alcohol. It is not up and running and Adfam is in the process of filling it with information.

The third part of the project has been the production of a resource to support volunteers and volunteering around families and substance use. This resources has taken the shape of a toolkit, based on consultation with volunteers and volunteer managers, with policy, information, links and more for volunteers and their managers.

Adfam’s Volunteering Toolkit represents an important new resource then - the first time that both the generic volunteering material and the background information on drugs, alcohol and families has been brought together into one place, illustrated by the real life experiences of recovering substance users, family members and volunteer managers. Throughout the creation of the toolkit these groups were consulted and their knowledge and expertise used to help make something practical and resonant for the sector.

Volunteers give up their time and skills to help others without hope of reward and are a fitting embodiment of the Big Society envisaged by the current government. Maximising the effectiveness of the recovery capital of substance users and their families through volunteering to offer support to vulnerable people in the community and offer local answers to local questions is wholly appropriate in the current climate of diminished resources and increased localism. Adfam hope and believe that this toolkit will aid those already involved in volunteering, encourage those thinking about becoming a volunteer and reassure organisations which are worried about employing someone with a history of substance use. We hope that you will, as one contributor said to us ‘be brave – step out there!’.

If you would like more information on this project or on any other part of Adfam’s work please email Oliver Standing or ring on 020 7553 7656