What objectives it set for any funding that it has provided to the Scottish Drugs Forum since 2019.

The Scottish Government recognises the important contribution that the Scottish Drugs Forum has in delivering services to people who use drugs. The Scottish Government has provided funding to the Scottish Drugs Forum for a number of projects since 2019, with each project having specific objectives. Below is an outline of each project and the objectives that have been set for these.
Sexual Health and Blood Bourne Virus Project Names and Objectives:
2018 – 2021
HEPATITIS SCOTLAND
To continue the work of Hepatitis Scotland in leading the voluntary sector response to viral hepatitis prevention, treatment and support, and ultimately reduce the harm caused by viral hepatitis in Scotland. The key work will focus on:Information-sharing with professionals, people affected by viral hepatitis and the general public.Strategic development and partnership working
- fostering links with key stakeholders, including services working in drugs and sexual health and with vulnerable young people.Patient involvement and representation
- exploring and representing the views of those affected by or at risk of viral hepatitis.
PEOPLE WHO INJECT DRUGS
A programme of work aimed at people who inject drugs (PWIDs) which will:Reduce bloodborne virus (BBV) infections, particularly HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.Increase treatment uptake for BBVs and STIs.
Achieved through:
1. Ensuring views and opinions of PWIDs are effectively heard by policymakers and practitioners.
2. Ensure increase in knowledge and understanding of HIV and HCV treatment and prevention in PWIDs .
3. Improving and enhancing the skills of practitioners working with PWIDs.
4. Encourage new models of care and treatment based on best practice.
5. Develop responses/resources to reduce intersectional stigma.
SEXUAL HEALTH IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Year 1
Publish report on mixed methods research with people engaged in chemsex, people who use image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) and people involved in prostitution covering:Specific risks in terms of drug use and sexual health.Treatment needs.Specific information needs and how best to make this information available.What workers need to know in order to support these populations effectively.The report will inform current policy and be utilised to develop workforce development for support services in Scotland.
Year 2Design three training courses based on the findings of the research. Deliver six pilot training sessions.Adapt training following feedback.Deliver 25 training and learning development days for staff working with people engaged in chemsex, people who use IPEDs and people involved in prostitution.
Year 3Deliver 35 training and learning development days for staff working with people engaged in chemsex, people who use IPEDs and people involved in prostitution.Deliver capacity building event(s) to improve joint working and care pathways between key services.Raise awareness of the needs of the target populations to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and Sexual Health and BBV Managed Care Networks.
VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE
Ensuring that the work force is fully trained and equipped to support vulnerable young people in relation to BBVs and other sexually transmitted infections.
Year 1Undertake a training and learning development survey(and focus groups) of staff working with vulnerable young people in relation to BBVs, sexual and reproductive health and harm reduction.Deliver 35 training and learning development days for staff working with vulnerable young people, including a brief evaluation questionnaire.Develop e-learning training specifically aimed at staff working with vulnerable young people on BBVs, S&RH and harm reduction.
Years 2 and 3Undertake a national event/conference exploring current and future service provision and staff capacity needs.Deliver 35 training and learning development days for staff working with vulnerable young people each year, including a brief ev