We are the Anti-Stigma Network and we are…

The Anti-Stigma Network has been created by a group of organisations coming together with a shared mission.

Collectively we aim to improve understanding of the stigma and discrimination experienced by all people affected by drug and alcohol use. We aim to help coordinate and amplify the huge variety of existing anti-stigma work across the UK. Enabling us all to maximise our shared effort to take action to end stigma.

In time, we will also produce and encourage the creation of original work in collaboration with members of the network.

Currently a steering committee made up of a diverse range of organisations leads the initial actions of the Anti-Stigma Network. Over time we expect this approach will evolve.

We recognise that many organisations and individuals are doing and have done amazing, impactful and creative work to address stigma.

We aim to build on this work by bringing individual people, families, communities, educational institutions, charities, businesses and policymakers together to share, learn and create.  

Lived experience and fundamental human right drive us, we use evidenced based approaches and we aim to make real world change.

We have no political allegiance, or prevailing agenda. other than an ambition for people affected by drug and alcohol use to be treated fairly, justly and with dignity.

This broad-based network will be a coalition of diverse approaches, philosophies and opinions. We recognise this will mean that not everyone will agrees with everyone else. We see this as a strength.

This is a journey, and mistakes will be made along the way, but we believe it is time to come together to make change.