All of us working to reduce harmful substance use seek to apply the most up-to-date, research-based approaches we can. But we also know that there are many aspects of people’s lives that are less about hard facts but which are equally important to them.
Alcohol Change UK and Adfam are inviting you to take part in an online event that will shine a light on the role of faith in many people’s lives when they’re struggling with alcohol, drug or gambling issues.
We hope that this will be the start of a journey that will help treatment services have a better understanding of the role of faith in the lives of individuals and families; and help faith organisations better understand alcohol, drug and gambling issues.
The event will be opened by our two guest speakers:
- Alison Mather, Director of Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs (QAAD): QAAD seeks to address alcohol, drug, and gambling issues within a framework of Quaker values. They explore the spiritual dimensions of substance use and dependency, in order to build resilience to potential or established problems.
- Iman Atta, Chief Executive of Faith Matters: Faith Matters works with faith communities to reduce conflict and promote integration and cohesion. They have developed innovative projects to bring faith communities together and strengthen faith institutions, including strengthening the capacity of faith leaders, with an emphasis on the “shared values that act as a glue between communities”.
The event will be followed by an opportunity for open discussion, looking at questions such as:
- What positive role does faith play in people’s lives when they’re struggling with alcohol, drug or gambling issues?
- Does faith play any negative roles?
- Do individuals and families feel supported by their faith community about alcohol, drug or gambling issues?
- Do alcohol, drug and gambling support services understand the role of faith in people’s lives?
- What would good alcohol, drug and gambling services for individuals and families of faith look like?