Current, ex and potential treatment Service Users can have an effective impact on the planning and development of substance misuse services if they are given the correct support, training and guidance. There are 3 different levels of involvement:

Personal Level

This level of involvement allows current and potential Service Users to

• gain knowledge about their rights and responsibilities whilst in treatment/accessing support,
• gain information about the types of treatment available, and
• understand their part in treatment plans.

Service Level

This level of involvement ensures that all local drug treatment services

• fulfil their requirements within national guidelines
• consult with their Service Users on all aspects of their services
• enter into consultation before making any changes to their services, and
• gather feedback to inform any performance monitoring by the Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (Suffolk DAAT).

Strategic Level

This level involves Service User representatives having

• full involvement in all (Suffolk DAAT) strategic level activities throughout the year, and
• full involvement in the treatment planning process.

The aim of this work is to allow the average user on the street or in treatment to have their say. Suffolk DAAT recognises service users are not always in a position to let services know their feelings. Service User representatives can voice their praise or concern about local services and be confident that they are listened to.

If you are a Suffolk service user and have a compliment, complaint or comment to make about your experience of substance misuse treatment in Suffolk, please contact Paul Simmons, User and Carer Co-Ordinator for Suffolk DAAT at paul.simmons@suffolk.gov.uk