Young People Take Over Practice Week

From Stigma to Support, Changing the Conversation on Substance Use

Practice Week is a time for everyone in Norfolk who works with children and young people to learn, connect, and share ideas. This May (19th–23rd), things were a little different. Practice Week was led by young people from across Norfolk, exploring the Flourish framework theme: ‘Understood’. Young people said that they wanted to take the lead in helping adults understand their experiences - in their own words and from their own perspectives.

At The Matthew Project, we worked with young people to create a short video called “From STIGMA TO SUPPORT: Changing the Conversation on Substance Use.”

The video looks at how stigma can hold people back from asking for help when they need it most. It can feel isolating or even scary to speak up about substance use and that’s something we want to change.

Through honest reflections from young people, the video highlights what services can do better to make support more accessible and non-judgemental. It also shows how The Matthew Project is working to challenge stigma and start open, compassionate conversations about substance use.

By listening to young people, we can make sure everyone feels understood.

👉 Watch the full video: