Between January 2014 and July 2015 Public Health England North West hosted a quarterly forum to bring together key stakeholders in the provision of education, training and employment support to recovering alcohol and drug users. In each session discussions have focused on the ‘Key considerations when designing and delivering education, training and employment support for clients in drug and alcohol treatment’ The discussions fell into five main areas:
• content of support
• expectations and aspirations
• timing/programming
• strategic considerations
• delivery mechanism

The areas were revisited in a number of sessions and after providing all forum attendees with the opportunity to contribute individually via email the key considerations identified were:
• delivery must be asset based and individualised
• mapping of local provision and opportunities is essential.

This can only be achieved by sharing of knowledge across agencies on an area by area basis
• support once in employment must be provided
• volunteering/work placements are central but progression from this is important and some clients will be ready to go straight into employment
• employment must be emphasised as a valuable and realistic recovery goal
• employer engagement is critical but has not been addressed consistently

The North West Public Health England Education, Training and Employment forum will continue to meet to share best practice, encourage joint working and raise the profile of education, training and employment as recovery outcomes, ensuring cognisance of the key themes identified in discussions.