Bespoke Courses
Drawing on decades of expertise and our role in representing the voice of lived and living experience, we co-design training that reflects local context and priorities.
What we offer
SDF can be commissioned to create and deliver bespoke training programmes that meet the specific needs of your organisation, service, or community group. We can:
- Deliver custom training sessions developed specifically for your organisation or community group 
- Offer exclusive training for your staff, volunteers, or members 
- Adapt existing courses or develop new, bespoke training or e-learning content tailored to your learning needs 
There may be other ways we can assist your organisational learning and development too. Get in touch to discuss your training needs and discover how SDF can support your organisation.
Collaboration
Our collaborative approach ensures that training is not only informative, but practical, empowering, and applicable to your setting.
Whether you are a large organisation, a local service, or a grassroots group, we will work with you to provide training that empowers learners and supports sustainable change.
Case Studies
Drug and Alcohol training programme for Advocacy Service:
This six-week rolling programme was developed by Scottish Drugs Forum and delivered to staff within an Advocacy Service, with the aim of deepening understanding and improving confidence when supporting people who use substances.
Delivered via Microsoft Teams, each session combined interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises to build knowledge, challenge stigma, and promote effective harm reduction approaches. The programme offered a safe, supportive space for staff to explore complex issues such as trauma, mental health, and poly-drug use, while also equipping them with tools and strategies to enhance their day-to-day practice.
Supporting People who use drugs in your Service
This engaging and informative course was designed to help professionals and frontline workers better understand substance use and how to support people affected by it.
The course explored why people use drugs, including the links to trauma and mental health, and provided a clear understanding of the seven key drug categories and their effects. It also covered effective support strategies, harm reduction approaches, and treatment options relevant to participants’ settings. With a strong focus on trauma-informed practice and policy, the course also highlights the importance of staff wellbeing and self-care in sustaining compassionate and effective support.
Multiple Risk approach training for youth services
This practical, interactive course was developed to help youth workers confidently support young people. Participants explored common behaviours, the impact of ACEs and trauma, and the factors that influence risk-taking. The course also covered protective factors, resilience building, and effective signposting to support services.
Safer nightlife training:
This tailored training programme was developed the knowledge and skills of staff working in nightlife and entertainment settings, focusing on substance use and mental health challenges. Delivered over three flexible sessions at venue locations, the course covered awareness of drugs, alcohol, and prescribed medications; recognising and responding to overdose; effective engagement and de-escalation techniques, and identifying and supporting people experiencing mental health issues related to substance use.