What is QAAD?

Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs (QAAD) is a Recognised Body of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and a registered charity. We work in accordance with Quaker principles to address the widespread use and misuse of alcohol, prescribed and illegal drugs, and gambling.

What does QAAD do?

QAAD aims to meet the needs for support and information within the Religious Society of Friends in relation to alcohol, other drugs, and gambling. We do this by producing briefings and information, for example our paper on the issues related to decriminalisation of drugs (see ‘Our work – Drugs’), and by offering advice to individual Friends when requested.

We also seek to facilitate links between Friends who share our concerns, including those who are personally affected by substance issues or supporting family members and friends, by attending and organising gatherings.

QAAD supports young Friends by offering workshops, attending gatherings, and producing resources.

QAAD also works in the public arena, where we continue the tradition of expressing a Quaker perspective on policies and practices that would reduce substance and gambling problems. We do this through regularly responding to government consultations and working closely with ecumenical colleagues who share our concerns.

Gatherings

QAADNET Meetings

QAADNET is an informal network of Friends who have an interest in, or a concern about substances and gambling, whether this is through personal, professional, or voluntary experience. We meet as Quakers for learning, mutual support and exchange.  Our last meeting was held online in April 2021.  Please visit our Events page for details of previous and future meetings.

 

Please contact our Director, Alison Mather, if you would like to discuss the possibility of running a QAADNET meeting for your Area or Local Meeting.

QAAD Conference

QAAD holds a biennial gathering at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham, to which all Friends are welcome. Sadly, we are unable to hold this year’s conference  in person but will continue to arrange online events and hope to be able to return to Woodbrooke in due course. 

Details of all future events, including online meetings and webinars, are posted on the Events page and in our QAADRANT newsletter.