Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Prevention Engagement Programme

Our programme of engagement will create opportunities for people and communities across Scotland to shape the conversation, share their experiences and help inform Scottish Government national action plans.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Infection Prevention? 

AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites change over time and no longer respond as well to medicines used to treat them. This can make infections harder to treat and can affect anyone. They can mean longer illnesses, more complicated treatment and longer stays in hospital.  

Infection prevention is about the things we can do to reduce the spread of infections and prevent illness, from good hand washing and vaccination to using antibiotics appropriately and keeping healthcare environments safe.  

Over the coming months there will be opportunities to get involved to shape this work.  

Lived and Living Experience Advisory Group 

We are bringing together a Lived and Living Experience Advisory Group of 15 people with personal experience of illness, healthcare, infection and antimicrobial use and those who are most likely to be affected. The group will meet monthly from November 2026 – March 2027 and provide insight and steer throughout the programme, helping ensure that lived experience is at the heart of our work. Please register your interest to take part in this group. Antimicrobial Resistance Advisory Group Interest Form – Fill in form Registration will close on Friday 30 October 2026. You can view our Lived Experience Advisory Group information pack and privacy policy in the resources linked at the bottom of this page.

Humans of Scotland Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) series 

Our Humans of Scotland AMR series will capture stories and perspectives from people across Scotland. From lived experience and families to healthcare professionals, microbiologists, vets, farmers and others working in or affected by AMR, the short films, podcasts and case studies will explore real stories of what antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention mean in people’s everyday lives.  

Topical workshops  

During December 2026, we will be running workshops on key AMR and infection prevention related topics, creating space for people to explore issues in more depth, share different perspectives and identify what needs to change.  

Community conversation packs 

We will be developing community conversation packs containing accessible information, activities and discussion ideas that groups can use themselves. The aim is to make it easier for communities to start conversations about AMR, infection prevention and what action could look like locally. There will be an open ALLIANCE submission form for conversation hosts to submit key conclusions to feed into further action plans in Scotland. 

Community grants 

Our community grants programme will support local organisations and groups to develop their own activities around AMR and infection prevention. This will enable communities to decide what conversations matter locally and reach people who may not engage through traditional approaches. 

Community champions 

We will work with community champions who can help bring AMR and infection prevention into local conversations. Champions will act as trusted voices within their communities, sharing information, encouraging discussion and helping us understand local perspectives. 

Surveys, one-to-ones and drop-Ins 

Not everyone wants to or is able to take part in a workshop so we will provide a range of ways to get involved and submit your thoughts. Surveys, drop-ins and one-to-one conversations will make it easy for people to share their ideas and experiences in a way that works for them.  

A programme shaped with communities, not just about communities 

Together, these activities will create multiple routes to inform the conversation, from sharing a personal story, completing a survey, or dropping into a session to becoming a community champion and leading a community conversation. By listening to people’s experiences and supporting communities to shape the discussion themselves, we want to build a clearer picture of what AMR and infection prevention mean across Scotland – and what needs to happen next.  

Please stay tuned for further information on workshop dates, community grants programme, surveys and registration forms to attend an event.

Get in contact 

If you or someone you know would like further information on this programme, to chat or to share your own personal story as part of the Humans of Scotland AMR Series please contact:

Annie Cook – annie.cook@alliance-scotland.org.uk 

Community Voice and Engagement Co-ordinator