featuring

Professor Rob Ralphs | Professor of Criminology and Social Policy | and Deputy Director of the Drugs, Policy and Social Change (DPSC) Research Group | Manchester Metropolitan University

and

Kate Green | Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Safer and Stronger Communities

Join us for a session exploring how Greater Manchester has developed a bold, evidence-based response to new psychoactive substances (NPS) and other emerging drug trends. Known for its groundbreaking work on synthetic cannabinoids (‘Spice’), Greater Manchester has developed a unique partnership between researchers, frontline professionals, and local services.

We’ll explore how the city-region built a nationally recognised drug intelligence system—combining real-time data, expert alerts, lab testing, and the UK’s only annual regional drug trend survey (GMTRENDS). You’ll hear how this approach is helping reduce harm in vulnerable communities and why it’s a model worth replicating elsewhere.

Expect practical insights, real-world case studies, and ideas for how your locality could benefit from a similar low-cost, high-impact strategy. Whether you're in public health, criminal justice, or community services, this is a chance to learn from Greater Manchester’s journey and take away tools for change.

Please note you must be a member of the Academy for Social Justice in order to attend an event.

Academy membership and services are free and you can join when booking your place on Eventbrite.

The Mancunian Way – Tackling Emerging Drug Trends Locally