Will Haydock
@williamhaydock.bsky.social
Executive Director at Collective Voice, which represents charities that provide treatment for people with issues with alcohol or other drugs. Previously in local and national government, and before that doing academic research.
The findings of this inquiry are worrying, but sadly unsurprising. We need urgent action to address the crisis in prisons and across our criminal justice system, and substance use treatment has to be a part of that. 1/2
The Justice Committee has today published the final report of its Tackling drugs in prisons inquiry, which paints a concerning picture, citing the Chief Inspector of Prisons & the Government’s independent advisor to identify a ‘drugs crisis’ in prisons that means we need ‘urgent reform & investment’
October 31, 2025 at 11:30 AM
The findings of this inquiry are worrying, but sadly unsurprising. We need urgent action to address the crisis in prisons and across our criminal justice system, and substance use treatment has to be a part of that. 1/2
I'm pleased we're setting up this network to share challenges and opportunities to improve support for people who use #ketamine. Please do check out the blog and think about signing up for the event - 14 October 2pm-3.30pm.
Collective Voice is building a network of people looking to improve support for people who use #ketamine. Please take a look at our blog & sign up for our event. We'll talk prevention & harm reduction, urology, residential & detox and more
www.collectivevoice.org.uk/events/colle...
#drugs #addiction
www.collectivevoice.org.uk/events/colle...
#drugs #addiction
September 5, 2025 at 11:20 AM
I'm pleased we're setting up this network to share challenges and opportunities to improve support for people who use #ketamine. Please do check out the blog and think about signing up for the event - 14 October 2pm-3.30pm.
In this instance, deaths linked to fentanyl seems to be due to contamination with bacteria, not the drug itself.
Cinq lots contaminés de fentanyl médical auraient été distribués dans huit hôpitaux et centres de santé en Argentine, provoquant la mort d’au moins 100 patients
➡️ https://l.leparisien.fr/TGaP
➡️ https://l.leparisien.fr/TGaP
August 15, 2025 at 9:18 AM
In this instance, deaths linked to fentanyl seems to be due to contamination with bacteria, not the drug itself.
Two interesting pieces related to #drugs / #addiction on BBC Radio 4 this week. I thought we'd included them in last week's newsletter, but apparently not! A discussion of drug-related deaths on Inside Health, and a whole series running this week on #psychedelics and their therapeutic potential.
Inside Health - Can we reverse rising drug deaths? - BBC Sounds
We try to figure out why drug deaths are at an all-time high - and what can be done.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 5, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Two interesting pieces related to #drugs / #addiction on BBC Radio 4 this week. I thought we'd included them in last week's newsletter, but apparently not! A discussion of drug-related deaths on Inside Health, and a whole series running this week on #psychedelics and their therapeutic potential.
Reposted by Will Haydock
This year #AlcoholAwarenessWeek is focusing on #alcohol and the workplace. Kayleigh Gamblin, National Employment Lead at WithYou, provides a perspective on the role of work in recovery from alcohol issues. www.collectivevoice.org.uk/news/work-as...
Work as recovery: Supporting employment during Alcohol Awareness Week - Collective Voice
This Alcohol Awareness Week, WithYou is calling on employers and policymakers to recognise work as a recovery tool, which can change the lives of people across the UK. Kayleigh Gamblin, National Emplo...
www.collectivevoice.org.uk
July 11, 2025 at 10:26 AM
This year #AlcoholAwarenessWeek is focusing on #alcohol and the workplace. Kayleigh Gamblin, National Employment Lead at WithYou, provides a perspective on the role of work in recovery from alcohol issues. www.collectivevoice.org.uk/news/work-as...
Interesting to see this strategy for early years education today and think of parallels with the #drugs & #alcohol world, particularly the commitments on workforce, notably creating a professional register. 1/3
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
July 7, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Interesting to see this strategy for early years education today and think of parallels with the #drugs & #alcohol world, particularly the commitments on workforce, notably creating a professional register. 1/3
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Will Haydock
Collective Voice has responded to the Government's 10-year #health plan. The ideas & principles are welcome, but if they're going to deliver on their ambitions they will need to work closely with #charities & have more of a focus on #alcohol & other #drugs
www.collectivevoice.org.uk/comment/coll...
www.collectivevoice.org.uk/comment/coll...
Collective Voice responds to the 10-year health plan - Collective Voice
When the plan trumpets ‘a devolved and diverse NHS’, I wonder if it should really be saying ‘ a devolved and diverse health system’ Read the Government’s plan Positive principles, but health is about ...
www.collectivevoice.org.uk
July 3, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Collective Voice has responded to the Government's 10-year #health plan. The ideas & principles are welcome, but if they're going to deliver on their ambitions they will need to work closely with #charities & have more of a focus on #alcohol & other #drugs
www.collectivevoice.org.uk/comment/coll...
www.collectivevoice.org.uk/comment/coll...
We should be raising awareness of the risks in using ketamine & thinking about how to reduce harm. But "Children as young as 12 are becoming addicted to ketamine, opting to buy the horse tranquilliser over a packet of crisps"?! Does that language support a serious debate? www.itv.com/news/2025-06...
Ketamine ‘overwhelming’ authorities as teens dealing and taking Class B drug | ITV News
ITV News has spoken to frontline services across Cheshire who are calling for more awareness with warnings over the long-term damage of ketamine use. | ITV National News
www.itv.com
June 25, 2025 at 9:31 AM
We should be raising awareness of the risks in using ketamine & thinking about how to reduce harm. But "Children as young as 12 are becoming addicted to ketamine, opting to buy the horse tranquilliser over a packet of crisps"?! Does that language support a serious debate? www.itv.com/news/2025-06...
This new report from @ias.org.uk and @shaapalcohol.bsky.social is worth a look. I'm not anti-alcohol or opposed to the industry, but we need an open, honest debate about policy. Some of these moves by the #alcohol industry look at best disingenuous, which is really disappointing.
📢 New report: UK alcohol industry groups spent 2024 misleading the public on harm, the economy, environment, and policy.
We analysed 140+ industry documents and found a strategy of cherry-picking evidence, overstating economic value, and downplaying health harms.
➡️ www.ias.org.uk/report/spin-...
We analysed 140+ industry documents and found a strategy of cherry-picking evidence, overstating economic value, and downplaying health harms.
➡️ www.ias.org.uk/report/spin-...
Spin the bottle: How the UK alcohol industry twists the facts on harm and responsibility - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Executive summary Alcohol deaths are at an all-time high in the UK, yet current policy is unable to tackle this crisis. The alcohol industry’s influence has been recognised as a key barrier to address...
www.ias.org.uk
June 19, 2025 at 4:59 PM
This new report from @ias.org.uk and @shaapalcohol.bsky.social is worth a look. I'm not anti-alcohol or opposed to the industry, but we need an open, honest debate about policy. Some of these moves by the #alcohol industry look at best disingenuous, which is really disappointing.
This is definitely worth a listen for those with an interest in substance use issues. Richard Coles talks about loving someone who's struggling with their drinking & going to Al-Anon, as well as his own substance use. #alcohol #drugs www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Rylan: How to Be... - How to Be in Love - Richard Coles: On losing the love of his life and casual roadside encounters - BBC Sounds
Rylan speaks to Richard Coles about how he healed from grief to find love once again.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM
This is definitely worth a listen for those with an interest in substance use issues. Richard Coles talks about loving someone who's struggling with their drinking & going to Al-Anon, as well as his own substance use. #alcohol #drugs www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Re-sharing this as I hope it's useful to raise awareness of the treatment that's out there for people facing issues with #alcohol. I know it's not the perfect intro, but I think we don't do enough of this for wider audiences. Do listen, share & comment - how can we communicate better & more widely?
"In some ways - because so many people drink alcohol - perceiving yourself to have a problem feels arguably more unusual than with another drug."
🎙️Dr @williamhaydock.bsky.social of @collective-voice.bsky.social discusses alcohol treatment on our latest podcast 🎧
Links: ias.org.uk/podcast/12327/
🎙️Dr @williamhaydock.bsky.social of @collective-voice.bsky.social discusses alcohol treatment on our latest podcast 🎧
Links: ias.org.uk/podcast/12327/
June 18, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Re-sharing this as I hope it's useful to raise awareness of the treatment that's out there for people facing issues with #alcohol. I know it's not the perfect intro, but I think we don't do enough of this for wider audiences. Do listen, share & comment - how can we communicate better & more widely?
The online abuse that Katie Boulter has received, as described in this piece, is outrageous.
I was surprised, though, by the clear link made to #gambling / #betting, with the BBC paraphrasing the research: "angry gamblers sent 40% of all detected abuse".
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis...
I was surprised, though, by the clear link made to #gambling / #betting, with the BBC paraphrasing the research: "angry gamblers sent 40% of all detected abuse".
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis...
Katie Boulter: British tennis player reveals social media abuse she has received
Britain's Katie Boulter speaks exclusively to BBC Sport about the levels of social media abuse she receives.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 17, 2025 at 2:52 PM
The online abuse that Katie Boulter has received, as described in this piece, is outrageous.
I was surprised, though, by the clear link made to #gambling / #betting, with the BBC paraphrasing the research: "angry gamblers sent 40% of all detected abuse".
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis...
I was surprised, though, by the clear link made to #gambling / #betting, with the BBC paraphrasing the research: "angry gamblers sent 40% of all detected abuse".
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis...
This is a surprisingly good piece on substance use, specifically ketamine. Lots of detail, and quite thoughtful. (Via @drugwise.bsky.social)
www.newstatesman.com/politics/hea...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/hea...
How Britain fell into the K-hole
Silicon Valley’s favourite drug is also the UK’s.
www.newstatesman.com
June 9, 2025 at 8:28 PM
This is a surprisingly good piece on substance use, specifically ketamine. Lots of detail, and quite thoughtful. (Via @drugwise.bsky.social)
www.newstatesman.com/politics/hea...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/hea...
I caught this programme yesterday on Radio 4. It's unusual to have such a detailed and extensive discussion of problems related to #drugs on a major radio network. 1/3
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Currently - Madeira's Drugs Crisis - BBC Sounds
Madeira has a chronic drug problem the authorities are struggling to cope with.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
I caught this programme yesterday on Radio 4. It's unusual to have such a detailed and extensive discussion of problems related to #drugs on a major radio network. 1/3
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
It was fun to record this discussion of what #alcohol treatment is & how it's organised & funded. Inevitably there were loads of things we didn't get time to cover properly. It'd be good to cover topics including quality & accessibility of treatment, diversity & inclusion, sustainability of funding.
Listen to our latest podcast, where @williamhaydock.bsky.social of @collective-voice.bsky.social discusses the alcohol treatment system in England, incl:
💊Accessibility to free treatment
💷How it's commissioned
⚕️What the Health & Social Care Act changed
➡️Drug Strategy
www.ias.org.uk/podcast/12327/
💊Accessibility to free treatment
💷How it's commissioned
⚕️What the Health & Social Care Act changed
➡️Drug Strategy
www.ias.org.uk/podcast/12327/
An introduction to England's alcohol treatment system - Institute of Alcohol Studies
In our latest podcast Dr Will Haydock, Executive Director of Collective Voice, sheds light on alcohol treatment services in England. Representing an alliance of charities supporting people with alcoho...
www.ias.org.uk
May 30, 2025 at 11:20 AM
It was fun to record this discussion of what #alcohol treatment is & how it's organised & funded. Inevitably there were loads of things we didn't get time to cover properly. It'd be good to cover topics including quality & accessibility of treatment, diversity & inclusion, sustainability of funding.
De-siloing substance misuse and self-harm research through integrated public health and emergency medicine - The Lancet Public Health www.thelancet.com/journals/lan... via @lisaangelica.bsky.social
De-siloing substance misuse and self-harm research through integrated public health and emergency medicine
Acute and chronic problems related to alcohol, drugs, and self-harm are important
public health challenges and are compounded by socioeconomic inequalities. People
with substance use disorders or ment...
www.thelancet.com
May 29, 2025 at 7:53 AM
De-siloing substance misuse and self-harm research through integrated public health and emergency medicine - The Lancet Public Health www.thelancet.com/journals/lan... via @lisaangelica.bsky.social
I'm still on holiday visiting Lyme Regis museum, but there's no escaping #alcohol & #temperance history!
May 27, 2025 at 2:37 PM
I'm still on holiday visiting Lyme Regis museum, but there's no escaping #alcohol & #temperance history!
Reposted by Will Haydock
Gauke's sentencing review report is finally out! Full assessment will come after gov announces its response, but some initial thoughts here. Overall: lot of sensible proposals, likely to be some big implementation challenges, and a few risks 🧵
May 22, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Gauke's sentencing review report is finally out! Full assessment will come after gov announces its response, but some initial thoughts here. Overall: lot of sensible proposals, likely to be some big implementation challenges, and a few risks 🧵
It's been interesting to read the final report of the Independent Sentencing Review today, discuss with colleagues & see other people comment. You can read some of my thoughts below. I have quite mixed feelings: some sensible diagnosis but some out of date; some sensible proposals but others odd.
Today saw the publication of the Independent Sentencing Review, as well as the Government's response.
Our Director, Will Haydock, sees lots to welcome, but notes that while the review calls for additional investment to deliver on its ambitions, the Government hasn't yet committed to this. 1/2
Our Director, Will Haydock, sees lots to welcome, but notes that while the review calls for additional investment to deliver on its ambitions, the Government hasn't yet committed to this. 1/2
May 22, 2025 at 5:04 PM
It's been interesting to read the final report of the Independent Sentencing Review today, discuss with colleagues & see other people comment. You can read some of my thoughts below. I have quite mixed feelings: some sensible diagnosis but some out of date; some sensible proposals but others odd.
It was nice to dust off my old academic persona and write this for @ias.org.uk about how we often misunderstand people's #alcohol drinking behaviour & how we can engage with the reality and make good policy by learning from #harmreduction in the world of #drugs. Comments & engagement very welcome!
Drinking for many is about escape, uncertainty, even discomfort – not control or rationality.
Our policies often miss that completely.
In our latest blog, Dr @williamhaydock.bsky.social argues for a harm reduction approach that recognises what people actually want.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/05/21/h...
Our policies often miss that completely.
In our latest blog, Dr @williamhaydock.bsky.social argues for a harm reduction approach that recognises what people actually want.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/05/21/h...
Harm reduction as a rational response to irrational drinking - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Dr Haydock argues that alcohol policy should reflect the complex, often irrational motivations behind drinking, especially in social and nightlife contexts. By adopting a harm reduction approach, poli...
www.ias.org.uk
May 21, 2025 at 8:50 AM
It was nice to dust off my old academic persona and write this for @ias.org.uk about how we often misunderstand people's #alcohol drinking behaviour & how we can engage with the reality and make good policy by learning from #harmreduction in the world of #drugs. Comments & engagement very welcome!
Reposted by Will Haydock
The number of people sleeping rough and cuts by the previous government have led to overstretched services that are having to prioritise short-term crisis management over long-term prevention.
Sadiq Khan plans to end rough sleeping in London by 2030
The mayor wants people to avoid having to sleep on the streets before being able to access support.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 20, 2025 at 7:46 AM
The number of people sleeping rough and cuts by the previous government have led to overstretched services that are having to prioritise short-term crisis management over long-term prevention.
Reposted by Will Haydock
The Government is currently advertising the role of Independent Advisor to the UK Government on drugs. This is the role that Dame Carol Black has held for several years, originally appointed under the Conservative Government. 1/3
May 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The Government is currently advertising the role of Independent Advisor to the UK Government on drugs. This is the role that Dame Carol Black has held for several years, originally appointed under the Conservative Government. 1/3
There's a new blog post from me in the thread below, expressing a mixture of frustration and optimism not just in relation to Government policy, but the wider media context and reaction. There's more we can do to reduce harm from #drugs, but #stigma only makes it worse.
Last week the Government published a report outlining evidence and insights for local areas designed to help strengthen their preparedness for the synthetic opioid threat. We welcome the report, but think the Government also needs to provide national leadership on a couple of key issues. 1/4
May 13, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Interesting piece from @fieldmatt.bsky.social, relevant for people developing effective treatment for substance use issues but also wider general comms. theconversation.com/addiction-is... (via @drugwise.bsky.social)
Addiction isn’t just about brain chemistry – but nor is it just bad choices
Addiction isn’t a brain disease – but substance use is rarely a free choice either.
theconversation.com
May 8, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Interesting piece from @fieldmatt.bsky.social, relevant for people developing effective treatment for substance use issues but also wider general comms. theconversation.com/addiction-is... (via @drugwise.bsky.social)
It's been a privilege to be part of this work bringing together researchers, practitioners, people with lived/living experience & the wider public to set priorities for future research on #addiction #alcohol & #drugs. Now let's make stuff actually happen! Get in touch to get involved in our networks
It's good to see this work on future #research on #addiction, #alcohol & other #drugs progress to the next stage. After extensive engagement across the field & the wider public, key priorities for future research have been identified. Collective Voice is proud to have been a partner in this work.
📢 Here's what experts by experience and healthcare professionals think are the most important questions for future research to answer about addictions!
Check out the full list of research priorities: buff.ly/mUx318n
#AddictionHealthcareGoals
Check out the full list of research priorities: buff.ly/mUx318n
#AddictionHealthcareGoals
May 8, 2025 at 4:20 PM
It's been a privilege to be part of this work bringing together researchers, practitioners, people with lived/living experience & the wider public to set priorities for future research on #addiction #alcohol & #drugs. Now let's make stuff actually happen! Get in touch to get involved in our networks