The objective of the website is to provide social workers with accessible information on substance use that is geared specifically towards the social work profession, its roles, values and responsibilities.

It will aim to:

• Act as a training tool for social workers unfamiliar with substance use issues
• Provide basic information on substances and their effects and provide links to more specialist resources
• Highlight the relevance of substance use to social work practice (through summaries of research and further reading lists)
• Provide examples of good practice in social work settings in relation to specific service user groups
• Provide information on key substance use policies and how they link to the social work policy framework
• Act as a resource for social work practitioners who seek information on how to ask about substance use and how/when to refer to specialist agencies
• Provide a discussion forum via a linked email list for people with questions about policy, practice or research in the area of substance use and social work

Social work and social care practitioners and academics who wish to share information, exchange ideas, seek views and advice, or learn about good practice in relation to alcohol and drugs can also join the following mailing list. Follow the link, then click on 'join the list' and complete the required information.

http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/SOCIALWORK-ALCOHOL-DRUGS.html

Unless otherwise stated, the material for this website has been written by Sarah Galvani. Every effort will be made to update the website regularly and certainly no less than every 6 months. Comments about the website and suggestions for material or updates are welcome at any time.

For further information, please contact Sarah Galvani at sgalvani@blueyonder.co.uk