Paul Hayes appointed to lead substance misuse sector ‘collective voice’ project

A group made up of third sector providers including Addaction, Blenheim, Cranstoun, CRI, Lifeline Project, Phoenix Futures, Swanswell and Turning Point have appointed Paul Hayes, to lead and develop the “Collective Voice” Project to ensure the voice of the drug and alcohol sector and those who uses its services are adequately heard.

The project will:

• Identify the most effective structures and mechanisms to enable the entire drug and alcohol treatment sector to represent the interests of its service users to relevant stakeholders;

and

• Establish how the drug and alcohol treatment sector can help the government achieve its ambition.

The intention is that structures developed by the project will over time draw in a wide range of third sector and NHS providers, and create alliances across other relevant sectors; mental health, criminal justice, housing etc. to identify issues of shared concern.

The project will be overseen by a Board made up of the funding organisations and will commence with immediate effect.

In making the appointment the Collective Voice Board said:

“Leadership of this project will require influencing skills, political astuteness and experience of building successful partnerships and links with key stakeholders at the highest level the board were clear that Paul Hayes was the outstanding applicant to provide this.”

For more information please contact:

John Jolly, CEO Blenheim j.jolly@blenheimcdp.org.uk 020 7582 2200