Supporting Healthy Partnerships

CONTEXT

The Supporting Healthy Partnerships with People Who Use Drugs Project (PWUD) is designed to support and teach frontline teams, health system planners, and researchers in fostering equitable and effective partnerships with PWUD. This toolkit is a co-designed resource that stems from a collaborative knowledge mobilization initiative, informed by a comprehensive literature review and both lived and professional expertise, to enhance engagement strategies and optimize the partnership environment. It serves as a practical guide for organizations and teams seeking to elevate the voices and contribution of lived experience, to build stronger, more inclusive partnerships. 

THE TOOLKIT CONTAINS:

Facilitator Instructions:

• Step-by-step guidance for planning and leading co-design sessions using the toolkit. The facilitator instructions outline session goals, preparation tips, timing suggestions, group sizes, and facilitation prompts, with an emphasis on trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and power-aware practices. They are designed to support facilitators with varying levels of experience.

Workbooks:

• A participant-facing workbook that supports reflection, discussion, and documentation throughout the co-design process. The workbook includes short readings, prompts, and structured exercises that help participants capture insights, lived experience knowledge, and ideas for healthier partnerships.

Activity Cards:

• Playing cards that guide interactive exercises during co-design sessions. Each card introduces a specific activity, question, or scenario related to partnership, trust, communication, and shared decision-making.

Accompanying Videos:

• Short videos that introduce key concepts and experiences of people who use drugs. The videos can be used to prepare facilitators, orient participants, or prompt discussion during sessions.

This project is a case study presented at the Currents of Care 2026 Conference, Banff Alberta.