Contact Us

Substance Use

Guidance and resources to help education settings identify, prevent, and respond to substance abuse among young people.

Introduction

Substance use can have a serious impact on a young person’s education, well-being, and future opportunities. Young people may be at risk due to their own substance use or the effects of a family member’s use. Schools and education settings play a crucial role in identifying concerns, providing early intervention, and offering support.

Bristol City Council and partner agencies offer guidance and resources to help education professionals safeguard young people affected by substance use. Early identification and appropriate support are key to reducing harm and promoting resilience. If concerns are not addressed, young people may face challenges such as poor attendance, mental health difficulties, and increased vulnerability to exploitation.

It is likely that there are students in every school who are affected by substance use—either personally or within their family.

 

Local Drug Information System (LDIS): could your school help?

The aim of the Bristol Local Drug Information System is to reduce harm and fatality caused by drug use. We will do this by gathering information about three main types of event:

  1. Substances of concern
  2. Fatal Overdoses and any Drug or Alcohol Related Death
  3. Non-Fatal Overdoses

We are asking partners to tell us about new, stronger, adulterated and contaminated drugs available in Bristol that you come across or hear about in your setting, by using this webform Local Drug Information System. Further information, which can be circulated to your staff teams, including a link to the webform is available via the following PDF:

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/files/documents/9873-bristol-ldis-guidance-for-reporting-fatal-overdoses-fod-and-non-fatal-overdoses-nfod/file

Resources, guidance, and referral pathways for safeguarding young people from the risks of substance use

Healthy Schools – information, resources and advise for schools on a whole school approach to understanding drugs and alcohol.

Talk to Frank - information and advice for young people and adults about individual drugs and alcohol, including an A-Z of substances, and what to do in an emergency.

Talk About Trust - information about a comprehensive set of educational resources developed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in partnership with the Talk About Trust, aimed at helping schools teach young people about the risks and laws related to vaping, alcohol, and other drugs, through lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoints, and interactive activities tailored to different age groups.

Young People who are using drugs and/or alcohol age 11 – 17

Early engagement – Horizons Bristol - supporting young people in early stages of substance use to prevent escalation into more problematic patterns - This service should be the first point of contact for most young people who are referred

Young People who are using drugs and alcohol and have with Mental Health Needs Young People who are using drugs and alcohol and have co-existing Mental Health Needs - YPSSMTS - Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Treatment Service – Specialist CAMHS

Young People with a social worker who are using drugs and alcohol - Drugs and Young People Project (DYPP) – social worker referrals only

Children and young people affected by parents/carers substance use (CABS) (primary and secondary school ages)

BDP M32 Youth Groups(for children and young people aged 5-10 and 11-16)

Horizons Bristol - Youth Team - Early Engagement Youth Team

Hawkspring - Drug & Alcohol Support for Children  supporting children in South Bristol who are affected by family alcohol or substance use

Drugs and Young People Project - Support for young people engaged in Social Care, referrals made by the social worker only

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL an ambulance  - What to do in an emergency | FRANK