Changing the debate on drug dependence

The UK is in the grip of a drug crisis, with record levels of drug-related deaths. This is an intensely political debate, with strong views on all sides. WA was commissioned to help spearhead a new kind of progressive conversation around this topic. Our role was to build a consensus from policymakers as well as health and justice stakeholders around the benefits of utilising innovative approaches for treating drug dependence.

We developed and delivered the UK’s first “Opioid Addiction Summit,” bringing together the leading voices across this debate to discuss practical solutions to the growing issue of opioid dependence at national and local levels. While this debate can often be fragmented, we brought together Police and Crime Commissioners, MPs from all sides, civil servants, the charitable sector and NHS professionals to create a joint solution.

Using the consensus from the Summit, WA developed a report which formed the basis of a Westminster Hall Debate and secured national media coverage. Crucially, this allowed our client’s voice to be heard in a crowded debate.

The report’s recommendations brought a new dimension to the political debate on drug treatment services, generating new opportunities to engage with local strategies. As a result of our programme, our client was able to foster new relationships with key stakeholders that have developed into genuine commercial opportunities.