Consumer participation has been described as ‘the active participation of people who, because they use or have used services or are potential service users, can bring their knowledge and experience to contribute to the design, planning, delivery and evaluation of services’. (Voices on Choices: working towards consumer-led alcohol and drug treatment, Anglicare Tasmania, Social Action and Research Centre, July 2010.)
There are currently various levels of consumer participation activities and initiatives within the non government drug and alcohol sector. Extensive work has been carried out in the area on a national level by the Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) under the Treatment Service Users (TSU) Project to describe opportunities, experiences, activities and support for consumer participation in treatment services.
ATODA has used the learnings from the TSU Project to inform its work in this important area. The Consumer Participation Forum was held on Friday 12th April 2013. The forum offered the opportunity to hear about consumer participation in action and to discuss ideas of how to progress consumer participation in the AOD sector. The Service User Satisfaction Survey 2012 was launched at the forum, with a presentation on the findings from David McDonald. A report on the forum will follow.
Nothing About Us Without Us Report
Greater, meaningful involvement of people who use illegal drugs: A public health, ethical, and human rights imperative.
“Nothing About Us Without Us” International edition
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Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)
The Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League is the national peak organisation representing the state and territory drug user organisations and issues of national significance for people who use or have used illicit drugs.
Treatment Service Users Project (TSU) Phase One Report
Treatment Service Users Project (TSU) Phase Two Final Report