FDS 2023 Annual Report

21 2023 VAADA Conference, Melbourne Chloe, our Victorian Clinical Services Manager, was delighted to be involved in, and especially with the opportunity to present on our FDS "Voices to be Heard" survey at the 2023 VAADA conference. The recent ‘Voices to be Heard’ national survey generated by FDS found an overwhelming majority of the more than 600 respondents were deeply dissatisfied with current drug policy and were in favour of a harm reduction approach. Programs such as pill testing, medicinal cannabis, needle exchange programs and supervised injecting rooms. This implies a current gap in service delivery where people who use drugs and their families are not having their needs met. A majority of participants also supported both the decriminalisation and legalisation of cannabis more than any other illegal drug. 86% of families were in favour of strategies that encourage connection and coping. South Australia – FDS staff member, Catherine Winter, is now on the permanent representative on the Peer Network Forum for SANDAS. The scope of this group is to improve the outlook for lived experience workers including what their needs are, recognition, reducing stigma, role definition, valuing their knowledge, building inclusive work practices in the sector and creating an alliance. Well done, Catherine!