Events

Dive into addiction policy, regional priorities and a showcase of innovations shaping future prevention, treatment and support.

Addiction remains one of the most complex and pressing challenges facing our health and care system cutting across alcohol, tobacco, gambling and substance use , and disproportionately affecting our most vulnerable communities.

This Yorkshire & Humber–focused event brings together national, regional and local leaders to explore where we are now, what’s working, and what needs to change in addiction prevention, treatment and monitoring. Anchored in national strategy – including the Office for Life Sciences (OLS) Addiction Healthcare Goals – the session will set out the current policy landscape and progress to date, before turning to regional priorities, lived challenges and opportunities for innovation.

The event will also showcase a small number of high-impact initiatives and innovations, including behavioural science, AI-enabled approaches and community-led support models, demonstrating how new thinking and partnership working can help address addiction at scale.

Through expert speakers, real-world examples and open discussion, the session aims to spark collaboration, shared learning and practical next steps for Yorkshire & Humber.

Who is this event for?

This event is designed for professionals working across the addiction and wider health and care ecosystem, including:

• ICB leaders and commissioners

• Service leads and system partners

• Public health colleagues

• Clinicians and clinical leaders

• Substance use treatment teams and outreach services

• Researchers and academic partners

• Charities and VCSE organisations supporting recovery

• Innovators, industry partners and solution providers

• Peer mentors and advocates

Whether you are shaping strategy, commissioning services, delivering care, supporting communities or developing new solutions, this session will be highly relevant.

By the end of the session, you will:

• Have a clearer understanding of national addiction priorities, including the OLS Addiction Healthcare Goals and progress to date

• Gain insight into regional priorities across Yorkshire & Humber, including current activity, unmet need and key challenges

• Hear from innovators and practitioners delivering impactful approaches to addiction prevention, treatment and recovery

• Learn about initiatives from other regions that could be adapted to meet the needs of communities in Yorkshire & Humber

• Contribute to reflections on next steps, collaboration and opportunities to accelerate impact across the system