D12 INITIATIVE FOR SERVICE USER INVOLVEMENT

Two of the main strategic goals of the D12 Local Drug Task Force are:
• to ensure that adequate, appropriate treatment is in place in Dublin 12 to respond to the diverse requirements of clients
• to ensure adequate rehabilitation options are available for clients and that services work collaboratively with clients to support their progression.

To ensure that users of addiction services in the area have their voices heard at task force level we are inviting client representatives of all of the addiction services in the area to come together as part of a new addiction service user group. This group will provide a representative to the task force and their input will be a key influence on the planning and evaluation of our work.

The D12 Task Force believes the opportunity for meaningful participation by service users in decision making at task force level will help to:
1. ensure that the task force is relevant to local needs and accountable to service users
2. enable service users to voice their opinion on services and identify good practice and areas of concern
3. provide a vehicle through which consultation on future action plans can be undertaken
4. encourage a sense of ownership of the task force on the part of service users
5. assist in the dissemination of information and education
6. develop innovative ways of working that improve service quality
7. ensure that services meet clients needs

The task force is asking each addiction project in the area to:
1. nominate a staff liaison person to serve as the main communication point with the service user group
2. request two service user representatives from their project to attend the first meeting of this new group (the date and time will be announced shortly).
The task force development worker will work closely with the group and representatives from the group will be invited on to the task force. It is envisaged that the group will play a central role in this year’s D12 Drugs Awareness Week. The group will be sponsored by the task force but the service users themselves will work with an external facilitator to agree their own aims and terms of reference.
With thanks for your cooperation,

click here to see Dublin12 report on Service user involvement ( Jan2010)

For more info, contact Development worker on 01 455 8940