Drug workers who needed an arena for support and information around the issues of crack and cocaine founded COCA (formerly FOCUS) in 1996. Since that time COCA has grown into a National resource helping services and workers develop appropriate interventions and professional working practices.
Mission Statement
COCA aims to raise awareness of the changing needs of the Crack Cocaine
User through information dissemination and networking to purchasers, providers
and public of the issues surrounding Crack Cocaine Use. It will do this in ways
that recognise the many cultural social religious economic and political factors
that can affect such users. It seeks to represent the needs of Crack Cocaine
Users at decision-making bodies at local national and international levels as
appropriate.
Meetings are held regularly around the country (South West, South East, Midlands, North East, North West and Scotland) to act as regional forums for support, information, feedback and strategic planning. National and regional conferences are also organised to help raise awareness and present new research findings and theories. COCA offers services regarding training and consultancy for organisations and individuals around the complex issues raised by crack and cocaine addiction and can also be used as resource for information, idea exchange, and research.
COCA currently has, as it's main functions:
· To inform members of the Forum of current trends in crack and cocaine
use.
· To disseminate practical interventions, information and working methods.
· To offer support to organisations/members in working with and for Crack
users.
· To raise the awareness of the needs of crack cocaine users, on all
levels.
· To offer training, education, and consultancy regarding crack and cocaine
services.
· To contribute to regional and national policy and practice issues.
· National conferences
COCA intends to develop:
· Regional Co-ordinators roles for the five regions.
· A practical and informative worldwide Website.
· An accredited national training programme.
· International conferences.
· International programme for developing countries.
· Quality research programmes and publications.
· International membership and exchange programme.
The COCA Annual Report is due next year.