We are helping to facilitate a programme designed to strengthen local and regional responses to drug and alcohol misuse in Ireland, which has co-production as a central theme, in line with government policy and strategy[1] . The principles of this work are based on providing person-centred services that promote rehabilitation and recovery. This means “giving people a say in their own treatment and supporting them to play a role in their own recovery. This approach also requires services to work together so that people do not fall through the cracks, as they navigate the different services required to meet their specific needs.” (Department of Health, 2017)

This programme is being implemented by the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (DATFs) with support from the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. It is at an early stage, having commenced in 2019, but has already had significant engagement from the DATFs. Genio has been asked to support the implementation of this programme given its track record of supporting successful reforms focused on promoting service user voice and the integration of service responses across different agencies. We are using the action research approach to promote interagency learning on service engagement and the adoption of evidence-based practice.

Genio’s role includes supporting the DATFs to:

• Share learning and enhance collaboration
• Strengthen evidence-based practices
• Explore how to involve service users more centrally in shaping the services they receive
• Support the relevant HSE Community Healthcare Organisation staff as they collaborate closely with the DATFs