The seminar brought together over a hundred experts (like researchers, activists, service providers, policy makers) from 24 European countries, in Prague, from 18 – 20 November 2010.
The event aimed to boost peer support work and meaningful involvement of the target group in service delivery and outreach work in Europe. The seminar concentrated on European experiences with developing policies and activities in the area of recreational and problematic drug use, but was also attended by community members from a number of vulnerable groups like sex workers, (ex-)prisoners, and migrant communities.
The seminar consisted of a wide range of presentations, skill building sessions and discussion workshops to initiate and sustain inclusive working methods and had a highly interactive character. Examples from sessions that were conducted are: participative research, initiating peer involvement, motivational interviewing, monitoring and evaluating peer work and outreach work, policy dialogue, strengthening multi-disciplinary collaborations.
The event had a very interactive and participatory character with many side events including book presentations with contributions from (Czech) drug users, video documenting of testimonials on peer involvement and network meetings from regional participants.
Early reactions from participants were very positive and many of them expressed their appreciation of the high value of the sessions and event for their work.
More information: John-Peter Kools
