Substance Misuse

Substance Misuse

Schools can raise awareness in young people about substances to help manage risky behaviours, with a focus on harm reduction. ‘Substances’ include alcohol, cannabis, drugs and psychoactive substances. Substance misuse facts, risks, the law, effects and consequences of taking substances, and the links to mental health are included in the government’s new statutory Relationship Education, Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education guidance.

National Guidance

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) resource pack for education and practitioners working with young people

Drugs: Advice for schools guidance for school leaders and staff on managing drugs, drug-related incidents within schools and pastoral support for pupils

Advice and Resources

Local offer

Catch 22 county-wide service offering specialist, targeted and family support for children and young people affected by substance misuse

Teaching support

Mentor-ADEPIS site funded by Public Health England and the Home Office offering evidence-based information and tools for alcohol and drug education and prevention for schools and practitioners. Includes lesson plans, toolkits and self-assessment. Also provides a free online CPD 4-module (90mins total) programme; using data, social norms, alcohol and drug education in the new Ofsted framework and ‘Resilience’ in alcohol and drug education.

Rise Above resources for schools on alcohol and smoking by Public Health England

#KnifeFree lesson plans created by the PHSE Association and the Home Office (free)

Safe4Me advice for teachers and parents from Hampshire Police

Free to access PSHE Association drug and alcohol schemes of work for key stages 1-4, developed by Public Health England.

For young people and parents/carers:

Talk to Frank National website providing a range of information and advice in relation to drugs for young people. The site also provides access to advice lines and web chat

ParentSupportLink provides confidential support and advice for parents, families and friends of those who use drugs and alcohol