The International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) is pleased to announce the establishment of the ISSUP UK National Chapter, a consortium comprising three organisations with significant expertise in the substance use field.
The ISSUP UK National Chapter brings together Addiction Professionals, Adfam, and the University of East London (UEL) to strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge exchange, and support professional development across the UK substance use workforce.
The consortium will be led by:
- Kate Halliday, Chief Executive Officer of Addiction Professionals
- Vivienne Evans OBE, Chief Executive of Adfam
- Dr Raffaella Margherita Milani, Senior Lecturer (Addiction – Mental Health) at the University of East London.
Representatives of the consortium organisations welcomed the establishment of the ISSUP UK National Chapter.
Kate Halliday, Executive Director, Addiction Professionals, said:
"The launch of ISSUP UK marks an exciting step forward for the addiction sector. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Adfam and the University of East London to create a space where professionals can learn from one another, share expertise, and access opportunities for ongoing development. Together, we can help build a stronger and more connected workforce for the future."
Vivienne Evans OBE, Chief Executive of Adfam, said:
"Adfam is delighted to be working in partnership with Addiction Professionals and the University of East London to establish ISSUP UK. As a leading charity championing the needs of anyone affected by someone else's substance use, this collaboration can ensure that affected others are not overlooked. We can contribute to professional development, and the sharing of knowledge, improving outcomes for the people we support, and the wider addiction workforce. The launch of ISSUP UK marks an important landmark for the addiction sector, and we are proud to be part of it."
Dr Raffaella Milani, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of East London, said:
"As part of this new consortium, we are excited to contribute our expertise in research, evaluation and education to elevate workforce development across the UK. By joining forces with Addiction Professionals and Adfam to form the ISSUP UK National Chapter, we are joining up academic insights and frontline practice. By connecting emerging research evidence with the workforce, we can better support professionals, individuals and families, turning research into actionable, innovative practices that support the entire substance use sector. As a career-first HE institution, we will also provide high-standard, evidence-based relevant training and education that connects research, policy and practice."
The establishment of the ISSUP UK National Chapter reflects a shared commitment to advancing professional development and promoting evidence-based practice within the substance use field. Through engagement with ISSUP's global network, the Chapter will strengthen international collaboration and support the exchange of knowledge, research, and good practice.
The Chapter will provide a platform for discussion of current challenges in the field, facilitate collaboration across professional groups and disciplines, and create opportunities for participation in webinars, workshops, and other professional events. It will also promote access to training, research, and learning opportunities that support the continued development of the workforce.
ISSUP welcomes professionals across all sectors. Membership is free and open to individuals working in a variety of settings, including treatment and recovery services, prevention, public health, policy, research, education, law enforcement, and community-led initiatives.
For further information about the ISSUP UK National Chapter and to become a member of ISSUP, please visit www.issup.net/membership
Visit the ISSUP UK National Chapter page here: issup.net/united-kingdom
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About ISSUP
ISSUP is an international network that unites, connects and shares knowledge across the substance use workforce. ISSUP’s mission is to make the work of our members as effective as possible by making is easier to discover and share knowledge, training, and networking opportunities.
About Addiction Professionals
Addiction Professionals is a UK-based charity whose mission is to develop, support, and provide training, education, and accreditation to those working and volunteering in the addiction sector, with the aim of raising standards for the benefit of those accessing services and their communities.
www.addictionprofessionals.org.uk
About Adfam
Adfam is a leading families and addiction charity based in England. The organisation works to ensure that family members affected by substance use or gambling are heard, valued, and able to access appropriate support.
About the University of East London
The University of East London (UEL), founded in 1898, is a careers-first university dedicated to empowering students with the skills, experience and networks they need to thrive in a changing world. With over 40,000 students from more than 160 countries, UEL places social mobility, inclusive excellence and real-world impact at the heart of its mission. Based in Stratford and the Royal Albert Dock, UEL is shaping a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future through transformative education, research and innovation. In 2026, UEL is celebrating another Year of Health, which includes launching a new Health Campus that will address health inequalities and foster innovation in the sector. For more information, visit: