A space for members to discuss, analyse and amplify
The Anti‑Stigma Network recognises that language carries power, and certain words or phrases can perpetuate stigma. However, intent and context matter, and meaning can shift depending on how and why language is used.
For this reason, you may see words on our site that appear at odds with commonly accepted guidance. In our blog specifically, the language is the writer’s own, and we publish pieces as written - particularly when terms appear in the title of a play, artwork or lived‑experience narrative. Changing or policing those words would alter the integrity of the contributor’s voice.
As we continue to deepen our understanding of stigma and language, we believe it’s important to allow people to speak authentically rather than risk silencing valuable perspectives.
If you have something stigma related that you want to say or to share that you think members will benefit from please contact us at [email protected] with your article.
Change begins at home
Challenging stigma isn’t always easy – but local media can be a good place to start, say Lucie Mauger and James Armstrong
Playing with stigma has fatal consequences
The divisive idea of who is deserving, or not, both feeds into and leverages stigma around substance use. It marks people as socially unacceptable due to their behaviour, health condition, or even how they die.
An Explainer: The Right to Addiction Recovery Bill
The Right to Addiction Recovery Bill is a proposed legislation in Scotland that aims to provide individuals struggling with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Anne Marie Ward explains more…
Why are people with Alcohol Related Brain Damage sometimes referred to as the most stigmatised group within the care sector?
Why are people with Alcohol Related Brain Damage sometimes referred to as the most stigmatised group within the care sector?
Challenging the ‘sicknote culture’ narrative
We explain why welfare and recovery services should be designed with the input of those directly affected, grounded in empathy and respect rather than judgement and labels.
Can AI-assisted media content creation perpetuate stigmas?
James Armstrong asks whether AI is playing a role in encouraging stigmatising attitudes toward populations experiencing addiction.
Notes from our first Organisational Membership forum
The forum saw 8 organisations come together to share their practice as we explored questions such as how we ensure we create a non-judgemental culture for employee and clients.
The Big Chat – Chris De Bank founder of Not Saints, the UK’s only sober not-for-profit record label
We spoke to Chris De Bank, founder of the UK’s only sober not-for-profit record label Not Saints, about his recovery, the music business, his label and his experience of stigma.
Taking Action on Addiction campaign Highlights
2023’s Addiction Awareness Week had some fantastic media coverage and a total combined reach of 51,317,525. Here’s a roundup of the highlights.
Sticks and Stones: Why we need to understand the harms caused by language, actions, and policy
Andy Bourne, Volunteer and Service User Involvement Lead – Change Grow Live St Helens talks to us about CGL, St Helens Film Group’s anti-stigma campaign, Sticks and Stones.
Inclusive Recovery Cities: A visible and inclusive way to challenge stigma
A recovery city is a place that visibly promotes recovery, challenges stigma, and champions pathways to recovery. Here David Best describes how they are created.
Interview with Michael Waters: Recovery Park Run in Leeds
We spoke to Michael Waters a group worker from 5 Ways Recovery Academy in Leeds about bringing the anti-stigma message to Woodhouse Moor’s parkrun.
Interview with Chair of the board of the Anti-Stigma Network
“As a charity, every block we experience trying to support people ultimately has its roots in stigma, prejudiced views, discriminatory beliefs and shaming practices and approaches.”
Hope Versus Fear
In 1986 a record was released on behalf of Phoenix House called ‘It’s a Live-in World by the Anti-Heroin Project’. Here’s the story of what happen to it.