A space for members to discuss, analyse and amplify
If you have something stigma related that you want to say or to share that you think members will benefit from please contact us at news@antistigmanetwork.org.uk with your article.
Errors in reasoning that contribute to stigma.
The more we look at stigmatisation, the more we reveal logical fallacies. James Armstrong looks at what types of errors in judgement there are so we can begin to understand our own tendencies.
The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club
Have you been to a comedy club where the laughter is not enhanced by alcohol or drugs yet? Martyn from Phoenix Futures explains why he set one up and why you should visit.
‘Ethics in Focus’ - questions and answer from our webinar
We were delighted see so many of you at our recent webinar ‘Ethics in focus’. As promised, here are the answers to the questions you posed.
Whose Definition? Fear-Based Responses to Everyday Words
Drawing on personal experiences of opening treatment services and engaging with diverse stakeholders, James Armstrong shares reflections and practical insights on navigating the complex communication landscape around substance use and addiction.
Is the BBC institutionally stigmatising?
The BBC is a beloved national institution, it’s amongst the most trustworthy news outlets in the world, but its editorial guidelines are out of date which makes it difficult for them to report on matters related to substance use without causing harm.
Upcoming Webinar: Ethics in focus - the power and principles of telling stories of substance use
Stories help to bridge divides, inspire action, shape policies, influence perception and create change.
Join us for an expert led discussion on the ethics and power of storytelling as we dive into ethical considerations, responsibilities, and best practices for sharing stories about people that use substances, addiction, recovery, and resilience.
An extension of the Alcohol Harm Paradox: The Unrecognised Impact of Drinking on Ethnic Minority Communities
Later in 2024, Drinkaware will publish research exploring alcohol use among UK adults from ethnic minority backgrounds and comparing these experiences with those of the white British population. Here’s a sneak peek at what the research uncovered.
Hepatitis C and Stigma
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a blood borne virus that is most commonly acquired by people who inject drugs. If left untreated, HCV can cause cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer. Unfortunately, hepatitis C is also a stigmatised disease.
Change begins at home
Challenging stigma isn’t always easy – but local media can be a good place to start, say Lucie Mauger and James Armstrong
Playing with stigma has fatal consequences
The divisive idea of who is deserving, or not, both feeds into and leverages stigma around substance use. It marks people as socially unacceptable due to their behaviour, health condition, or even how they die.
An Explainer: The Right to Addiction Recovery Bill
The Right to Addiction Recovery Bill is a proposed legislation in Scotland that aims to provide individuals struggling with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Anne Marie Ward explains more…
Why are people with Alcohol Related Brain Damage sometimes referred to as the most stigmatised group within the care sector?
Why are people with Alcohol Related Brain Damage sometimes referred to as the most stigmatised group within the care sector?
Challenging the ‘sicknote culture’ narrative
We explain why welfare and recovery services should be designed with the input of those directly affected, grounded in empathy and respect rather than judgement and labels.
Can AI-assisted media content creation perpetuate stigmas?
James Armstrong asks whether AI is playing a role in encouraging stigmatising attitudes toward populations experiencing addiction.
Notes from our first Organisational Membership forum
The forum saw 8 organisations come together to share their practice as we explored questions such as how we ensure we create a non-judgemental culture for employee and clients.
The Big Chat – Chris De Bank founder of Not Saints, the UK’s only sober not-for-profit record label
We spoke to Chris De Bank, founder of the UK’s only sober not-for-profit record label Not Saints, about his recovery, the music business, his label and his experience of stigma.
Taking Action on Addiction campaign Highlights
2023’s Addiction Awareness Week had some fantastic media coverage and a total combined reach of 51,317,525. Here’s a roundup of the highlights.
Sticks and Stones: Why we need to understand the harms caused by language, actions, and policy
Andy Bourne, Volunteer and Service User Involvement Lead – Change Grow Live St Helens talks to us about CGL, St Helens Film Group’s anti-stigma campaign, Sticks and Stones.
Inclusive Recovery Cities: A visible and inclusive way to challenge stigma
A recovery city is a place that visibly promotes recovery, challenges stigma, and champions pathways to recovery. Here David Best describes how they are created.
Interview with Michael Waters: Recovery Park Run in Leeds
We spoke to Michael Waters a group worker from 5 Ways Recovery Academy in Leeds about bringing the anti-stigma message to Woodhouse Moor’s parkrun.