Islington Clients of Drug and Alcohol Services (ICDAS) are current and former service users of the drug and alcohol treatment system in Islington. Through their lived experience they are an integral part of the development of drug and alcohol services in the borough.
ICDAS came into existence since before 2014. Its inspiration was to inspire and improve service provision for drug and alcohol clients, as well as those with complex needs in the London Borough of Islington. It gave itself a mandate to:
“…….. provide feedback, information and service user involvement for: services, the joint commissioning group and other parties involved in treatment, treatment planning or who otherwise contribute to monitoring and evaluating service outcomes.”
ICDAS represents, supports and works alongside current and former service users (and their support networks) as well as partners and organisations linked to Islington’s current treatment provider (Better Lives). Members advocate on behalf of service users and work with commissioners (Islington Public Health) and Better Lives to coproduce drug and alcohol treatment provision in the borough.