Back the Movement for Equality, Dignity and Real Change
The Anti-Stigma Network (ASN) is a volunteer-led organisation working to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people affected by drug and alcohol use.
Stigma has real consequences. It stops people from accessing healthcare, housing and employment. It pushes people out of their communities, leaving them feeling unsafe and isolated. Over time, it deepens inequality and contributes to poor health and early death. ASN exists to challenge these barriers and to promote dignity, fairness and compassion in policy and practice.
In a short time, ASN has grown into a national network of 1,300 members and 31 organisations, representing more than 10,200 staff. We work alongside people who have lived and living experience, frontline services and policymakers to change attitudes and improve how services respond. Our work includes influencing national policy, delivering training that shifts behaviour, and sharing lived-experience-led stories, webinars and practical resources that reach thousands of people. This is change driven by people who see the harm stigma causes every day.
But progress is still too slow. Stigma remains widespread across healthcare and other public services, and people continue to be denied support, opportunities and basic rights because of it.
With the support of funders who believe in fairness and social justice, ASN can expand its work, strengthen lived-experience leadership, and speed up practical change on the ground. Ending stigma is not a “nice to have”. It is essential that people affected by drug and alcohol use are treated fairly and have the same chances as everyone else.