The Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use provides a vital framework for improving how support services are designed, delivered, and monitored. Developed by the National Collaborative, the associated Toolkit offers practical guidance for two key groups—those responsible for providing services and those directly impacted by substance use. This resource aims to foster a fair, respectful, and collaborative approach to addressing substance use while ensuring human rights are upheld at every level.

Supporting Duty Bearers for Better Services

For service providers, referred to as “duty bearers,” the Toolkit is a practical resource designed to help you implement the Charter effectively. It serves as a foundation for fulfilling your responsibilities, improving the delivery of services, and ensuring these services align with human rights principles. By applying the tools and guidance within the Charter, organisations can operate with greater accountability, ensuring no one is left behind in their pursuit of a higher standard of physical and mental wellbeing.

Empowering Individuals with Rights

For individuals affected by substance use, or “rights-holders,” the Charter Toolkit is a powerful tool. It equips you with the knowledge to understand your rights and actively participate in the decisions that shape your support and recovery. This approach strengthens your ability to hold service providers accountable, paving the way for fair and ethical treatment.

Building a Framework for Action

The Toolkit acts as a robust backbone that supports both duty bearers and rights-holders by offering:

• Guidance on Human Rights Principles – Explore the core rights and principles underpinning the Charter, including the right to health and its practical application.
• A Checklist Approach – Use actionable checklists to address various areas, ensuring that implementation is straightforward and focused.
• Examples of Best Practice – Discover how others have applied the Charter in their contexts, from family-focused applications to work within communities.

A Living Resource for Change

The Toolkit is designed to evolve. It will grow and adapt as different contexts and needs arise, informed by the lived experiences of those it serves. Whether used to guide Alcohol and Drug Partnerships or frontline services, the Charter promotes a consistent and responsible approach to addressing substance use.

By treating the Toolkit as a foundation for real change, organisations and individuals alike become part of a shared effort to address substance use responsibly. It’s not only a framework for support but also a call to action to achieve a society where rights are respected, services are ethical, and recovery is truly achievable.

This Toolkit builds the structure for meaningful improvement. With your engagement and the right approaches in place, we can all work together to implement this Charter effectively, protecting lives and strengthening communities.

Source: Alliance