History and Values - EDP Drug & Alcohol Services

In 1984, EDP Drug & Alcohol Services (originally known as Exeter Drugs Project) was established as a volunteer-run helpline by a small team of users and carers.  From the outset those involved showed a courage, passion and pioneering spirit which remain an inspiration to the large number of dedicated volunteers and the workforce of over 100 staff that make up the organisation today. 

Over the years the charity has been at the forefront of innovative work in the field of recovery, piloting a needle exchange in 1987, and producing the radical safer injecting handbook “What Works” in the 1990s.  It was also around this time that EDP extended its community work to begin delivering services in prisons:  EDP now has services in all Devon prisons as well as Guys Marsh in Dorset and continues to provide community services in Dorset as well as across Devon in partnership with Devon Partnership NHS Trust. 

EDP has always operated on a shoestring but this is a particularly challenging time, as it is for many other organisations.  However, it is often in periods of economic difficulty that people need our services the most and EDP remains committed to the mantra of engaging people in positive change, as reflected in our values:

BELIEF - We believe people can make it

We firmly believe in everyone’s potential.  We know that people can and do make remarkable changes.  We will never give up on the ambitions of people who use our services.

RESPECT - How we work is as important as what we do

We will treat everyone respectfully – whether they use our services, work for us or work with us.  We are creative, curious and flexible, constantly striving to use resources better.

PARTNERS - We do it together

We see partnerships as the key to better futures for people affected by substance misuse.  We develop strong and meaningful partnerships with people who use our services, staff, other agencies, our funders and our communities. We will ensure that our services are inclusive and accessible to all.

DREAMS - Our dreams drive us to action

We can imagine a world where people are no longer blamed for their substance misuse, no longer socially excluded and are given support to rebuild their lives.  We will call for more understanding, more compassion and more resources to achieve this.