Bristol Drugs Project · Strategy Document

2026–31 Five Year Strategy

Advancing the right to health, dignity, and opportunity for all those affected by drugs and alcohol.

Read the strategy ↓
From our CEO
2026 marks a really important milestone for BDP — our 40th anniversary — and also an opportunity for us to look ahead.

The next five years are a crucial period for BDP and this is why we have designed this strategy. Since 1986, BDP has been grounded in the simple belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion and supported to make positive changes in their lives and the lives of their families and communities. Over the past four decades, we've grown from a small local initiative into a trusted organisation supporting thousands of people and continually adapting to meet changing needs.

What makes me most proud of BDP's history is not just how much we've grown and adapted, but how we've grown and adapted. We've centred the voices of people who use drugs and alcohol and never been afraid to think creatively or challenge the status quo. Whether through pioneering harm reduction approaches, building strong recovery communities through creativity or influencing change beyond our own services, we've always aimed to do things in a way that is compassionate, practical and rooted in the real life experience of our staff, volunteers and community.

At the same time, we know the world around us is changing. The challenges people face are becoming more complex and too many still experience stigma and barriers when trying to access support. That's why this strategy is about building on our legacy of excellent care, maintaining our strengths and developing innovative, ambitious new ways to address new challenges.

Over the next five years, we want BDP to grow into an innovative regional leader with national influence, while staying true to harm reduction and community values. We want to reach more people, deepen the impact of our work, and play a stronger role in shaping how support is delivered across the sector.

We'll do this by focusing on what matters most:

None of this would be possible without the incredible people who make up BDP; our staff, volunteers, partners and the people who use our services.

As we celebrate 40 years of BDP, I feel both proud of our past and excited for our future. We have a strong foundation to build on and a clear sense of purpose as we move forward, continuing to find new ways to reduce harm and working towards a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Lydia Plant
Chief Executive Officer · BDP
Strategy 2026–31
Strategic Goals

Four commitments
for the next five years

Our vision: to be a sector leader in advancing the right to health, dignity, and opportunity for all those affected by drugs and alcohol.

BDP leads Innovation, Research & Sector Development

We will establish BDP as a recognised regional and national leader in harm reduction, innovation, and research, using our expertise to shape effective responses across the sector.

We commit to

  • Establishing an internal innovation fund (2026–2029) to pilot and scale new approaches
  • Creating a Harm Reduction and Innovation Lead role
  • Empowering front-line staff to act as problem-solvers and innovators
  • Strengthening partnerships with research organisations
  • Using learning and data to continuously improve services

Outcome

BDP leads the development of new approaches and influences how services are designed and delivered nationally.

BDP grows sustainably

We will grow sustainably by expanding partnerships, diversifying income, and increasing our geographic reach, building a resilient organisation.

We commit to

  • Reducing reliance on single income sources through diversification
  • Winning and retaining contracts to support growth and stability
  • Being open to expanding into new geographic areas aligned with our mission
  • Building strong, values-driven partnerships that enhance impact
  • Using strategic investment, including reserves, to unlock new opportunities

Outcome

A financially sustainable and resilient organisation with increased reach and influence.

BDP influences Change & challenges Stigma

We will use our voice, evidence, and lived experience to influence public attitudes, policy, and systems, creating a more compassionate and effective response to drugs and alcohol.

We commit to

  • Embedding meaningful co-production and participation across all services
  • Amplifying the voices of people with lived and living experience
  • Advocating for harm reduction, prevention, and equitable access to support
  • Working collaboratively across sectors for system change
  • Influencing commissioners and policymakers at local, regional, and national levels

Outcome

Greater public understanding, reduced stigma and system change that improves lives.

BDP is recognised as a great organisation to work for

We will focus on creating the conditions for staff to thrive, ensuring they have the tools, training, time and environment needed to support clients effectively.

We commit to

  • Creating a culture where all staff feel valued, supported and able to be themselves
  • Focusing on the recruitment and retention of staff with lived experience
  • Building a more diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects communities we serve
  • Investing in systems, infrastructure and digital tools that improve efficiency
  • Providing staff with the autonomy, resources and support to deliver high-quality services

Outcome

A diverse, engaged and high-performing workforce with the capacity and culture to deliver excellent services and continuously improve.

Building a future of health, dignity & opportunity.

Bristol Drugs Project · 2026–2031

bdp.org.uk