Support, advice and information for parents and carers of young people. Learn about substance use, get guidance, and access support from The Matthew Project. Support for Parents of Children Who Are Using Drugs or Alcohol Finding out that your child is misusing substances can bring a lot of worry, fear and uncertainty. You might not know what to say, what to do, or where to turn for help. Our service provides free, confidential and non-judgemental support for parents and carers across Norfolk who are worried about their child's substance use. We're here to listen, help you understand what's happening and support you to work out what might help you and your family. When your child is using drugs or alcohol, parents and carers can experience a huge range of emotions. You might feel worried, angry, frightened, guilty, helpless or overwhelmed. Whatever you're experiencing, you don't have to work it out on your own. Our Support We offer flexible support through one-to-one appointments, our parents’ group, or a combination of both. We’ll work with you to find the type of support that feels right for you. If you work during the day, we may be able to arrange a telephone or online appointment in the evening. You can access support online from your home or visit us in person at our centre on Oak Street in Norwich. If you have any questions, you’re unsure whether this support is right for you, or you would like to speak with someone from our team, please contact our Unity team - we’ll be happy to talk it through. One-to-one support You can have confidential one-to-one conversations with our Parent Support Practitioner. There is no set agenda. We can talk about whatever is most important to you, whether that's understanding substance use, communicating with your child, managing difficult situations, setting boundaries or simply having somewhere to talk about how you're feeling. Parent support group You can choose to join our parents' group, where you can meet other parents who understand some of what you're going through. The group provides a supportive space for sharing experiences, getting support, and practical guidance in a safe, confidential space. The group meets once a month on a Thursday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at our centre on Oak Street. Useful Resources Here are three resources you might find helpful as a parent. Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on talking to your child about substances Guidance for parents Substance Information Clear information on common substances, including alcohol, cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, and MDMA. Resources FAQs Answers to frequently asked questions from parents and carers about our services. Parent FAQ's

Resources to help inform you and keep you safe around drug and alcohol use. Resources Substances Information Click the buttons below to learn more about different substances. Click Here Ketamine Cannabis MDMA Alcohol Cocaine Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Assembly Video The assembly video explores common myths around alcohol and cannabis, and shares information about our services for under-19s in Norfolk who are affected by substance use, whether their own or that of a family member. You can view the video below: Assembly Video_V0.4 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Other support for young people in Norfolk If you’re looking for additional support, FYI Norfolk is a trusted self-care website for young people aged 11–24 across Norfolk and Waveney. It offers clear, reliable information and advice on a wide range of health and wellbeing topics, helping you find the support that’s right for you. FYI Norfolk

What you should know about Cannabis This page will talk you through the myths surrounding cannabis and how it impacts different parts of your brain. Young people helped create this page, working alongside the Unity service . Therefore, the stories featured relate specifically to Norfolk. Endocannabinoid System and the brain Your brain is made up of billions of cells that send messages to each other all the time. These messages help control how your body works and how you think , feel , and act . You also have something called the endocannabinoid system. It's part of your body that helps keep everything balanced, like your mood, memory, appetite, and even how you feel pain. It works by making natural chemicals called cannabinoids , which attach to tiny spots on your brain cells called receptors . These natural cannabinoids help your brain cells turn "up " or "down " activity in different parts of the brain, depending on what your body needs . This system works smoothly on its own. Helping you feel and function normally . What happens when you use cannabis (get high)? When we use cannabis, we flood our brains with extra cannabinoids . Cannabinoids like THC are not the same as those our bodies make but are similar enough to bind to our receptors. This throws the endocannabinoid system out of balance , which is what causes the "high ". When you use cannabis regularly , your brain gets used to the extra cannabinoids and tries to adapt . This means you'll need more cannabis to feel the same effect (that's called tolerance ). If you stop using, your body can struggle to find it's balance again. That's why people sometimes get withdrawal symptoms , like: Headaches, chills, sweating or stomach pain Feeling moody, angry, anxious or down Trouble sleeping Not feeling hungry Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) can happen to people who use cannabis a lot over a long time . It causes nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain that can come and go. The exact reason it happens isn’t fully known and the only way to get better is to stop using cannabis. The symptoms usually go away after quitting, but it can take weeks or months to feel completely normal again. How cannabis affects different parts of your brain Hover over the boxes below to see more details. Motivation and pleasure (Nucleus Accumbens) Cannabis can make things feel funnier or more interesting than usual. Decision making & thinking (Neocortex) Cannabis can make it harder to focus, think clearly, or make good decisions. Cannabis can make it harder to remember things or make new memories. Memory (Hippocampus) Movement planning (Basal Ganglia) Cannabis can make your reactions slow down. Cannabis may make you feel clumsier or less in control of your movements. Coordination and Balance (Cerebellum) Cannabis might make you feel extra hungry (aka “the munchies”). Hunger control (Hypothalamus) Pain and body functions (Brain Stem & Spine) Cannabis can reduce pain and stop you from feeling like you need to be sick. Stress emotions - fight or flight (Amygdala) Cannabis may make you feel anxious, paranoid or panicky. Drawings by Sam Pearson. Myths Below are some myths about cannabis that we hear often from young people. Hover over the myth to see the truth. “Cannabis isn’t harmful, it’s natural, so it’s fine.” Cannabis can cause harm, especially for young people under the age of 25 because your brain is still developing. It can affect your memory, motivation, and mood and in some cases, it can lead to anxiety, paranoia or worsen mental health. Some people develop a dependency where they feel they must use it every day and get withdrawal symptoms when they stop such as low mood, sleep problems, feeling irritable, loss of appetite or problems regulating your body temperature. Myth 1 “Cannabis helps everyone chill out.” While it might relax some people in the in the short term, it can make anxiety worse for others, and long-term use can impact motivation and mental health. Myth 2 “Cannabis is legal if you have a small amount on you for personal use" Cannabis is not legal in the UK, even if you only have a small amount for personal use. It is classed as a Class B drug, and being caught with it can still get you into trouble and the police will confiscate it. You could receive a police caution, be arrested or have a criminal record. For under 18’s, the police are allowed to tell your parent/carers that you’ve been caught with drugs. Myth 3 “It’s fine to drive after using cannabis. It doesn’t affect you like alcohol does.” Driving high is dangerous and illegal. Cannabis can seriously impair your reaction time, focus, coordination, and ability to judge distance and speed. That means if you get into a car with someone who has used cannabis, even if they feel okay, their brain and body aren’t working at full capacity. This could lead to a crash that harms you, your friends, or someone else. Myth 4 THC Vapes THC vapes are vapes or e-cigarettes that contain THC or THC-like substances. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis - it's what causes the "high." These devices are designed to heat cannabis concentrates that contain THC, turning them into an inhalable vapour. Vaping THC may produce faster and stronger highs compared to smoking the same amount, this can increase the chance of adverse effects , such as anxiety, paranoia, dizziness and nausea. THC vapes and liquids are illegal and unregulated . Pure THC oil can be expensive so dealers may dilute or replace THC oil with the cheaper substances such as synthetic cannabinoids (spice) or synthetic opioids (nitazenes) and additives which can be extremely harmful, heavy metals, and oils ). Metals and particles inhaled into the lungs cause inflammation and long-term harm - there is no quality control or lab testing. Psychotic disorders linked to THC use: Frequent high dose use particularly in young people and those genetically predisposed is linked to a higher risk of psychotic disorders. The risk of psychotic disorders developing increases with how young the user is, frequency of use and potency of THC. Acute psychotic episodes - short term hallucinations, delusion, paranoia, or disorganized thinking while under the influence of cannabis or during withdrawals. Cannabis-induced psychotic disorder (CIPD) - a diagnosis when psychotic symptoms occur during or shortly after cannabis use that can’t be explained by another condition. Increased risk of developing schizophrenia or persistent psychotic disorders - in individuals with a genetic predisposition or certain environmental risk factors. Stay Safe Tips For You and Your Mates If you decide to use cannabis, it’s important to know there are always risks . The only way to completely avoid these risks is to not use cannabis. But if you do decide to use it, keep these tips in mind: Holding cannabis smoke in your lungs does not get you any higher. THC is absorbed quickly in the lungs, holding smoke in only increases the amount of tar and other harmful chemicals retained in the lungs. Cannabis comes in varying strains and strengths so your experience on cannabis can differ each time you use. Start by using a small amount and wait for the effects to kick in before deciding whether to use more. Avoid using cannabis when you are feeling low or stressed. Cannabis may provide a short-term relief , but after the effects wear off you may end up feeling anxious or paranoid. Regular cannabis use can impact sleep and appetite. At first, it might seem to help you relax, fall asleep, or increase appetite. Over time your brain adjusts by reducing the sensitivity of its cannabinoid receptors. This leads to tolerance - you need more cannabis to get the same effects, when you stop, you might experience trouble sleeping or loss of appetite until your body readjusts. Take regular breaks from using as the habit can build and form quickly . These breaks can reduce tolerance and reliance on the substance. If you find this difficult then it may be a good time to reach out for support . Do not mix with other drugs as this can negatively impact your experience, intensify side effects and increase the risk of you coming to harm. Mixing cannabis with alcohol increases the chances of “spinning out” and vomiting. Regularly clean out any bongs or paraphernalia. These can be breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly looked after. Young People's Stories Hear from young people in our service about the impact of Cannabis use on their life. Young person - 1 “I first started smoking weed when I was 13 because me and my best friend wanted to experience what it was like to be “high”. It made me feel really chilled out, i found things extra funny and food tasted 10x better. It was so fun I started doing it more often, it went from doing it once a month to most days after college or at the weekends. It is hard to quit as nearly all of my friends smoke weed. If it’s offered to me, the thought of a couple hours of relaxation - no stress, no responsibilities - makes it easy to say yes. Being out with friends and smoking made me forget my pressures and struggles for a while. However, the high came with downsides: I would become paranoid about getting caught and lost all motivation for school work and life responsibilities. I didn’t realise I had a problem until I started wanting to be high all the time. It was a temporary escape from my stresses, college and worries about my future. However these stresses only built up as I avoided them with drugs. I decided to find support once I got caught various times with weed. I was ruining family relationships and finding it harder to get things done in life. My life had become a mess and the relaxation I got from weed became less fun and more stressful. If you are dealing with cannabis addiction I advise spending time with people who don’t use drugs. Being with my friends who wanted to purely spend time together and laugh - not passing round a joint the whole time - was so refreshing. I began to remember the life I used to love before drugs. The hobbies i found fun in and the life experiences Id missed out on through spending my life around drugs.” Cannabis Website Video (1) Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Video Prefer watching instead of reading? Check out this short video about Cannabis to see how it affects people and get the facts you need. Cannabis - Respect Your Brain Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied About The Matthew Project If you’re under 19 and using ketamine or other substances, our Unity service is here to support you. You won’t get in trouble for reaching out. Click the button below to learn more about the Unity service. If you are 19 or over, you will need to contact Change Grow Live. Unity Service

Information to help professionals regarding young people around drugs and alcohol. Professional's support Further down this webpage, you'll find a referral form for our services. If a young person is not yet ready to engage with us directly and would prefer to speak to a trusted adult such as yourself, we can offer confidential advice and guidance to help you support them more effectively. Our Support Includes: Confidential Online Call If you’re worried about a young person who isn't ready to engage, we can offer advice without a referral. Our administrator can arrange a call with a specialist practitioner. Click the button below to view our contact details. Young People's Screening Tool If you are working with a child or young person who is misusing drugs or alcohol, using a screening tool can be a helpful first step in starting a conversation about their substance use. Click the button below to access the screening tool. Drug & Alcohol Awareness Training Drug and alcohol awareness sessions for staff working with vulnerable young people in a range of settings including, residential settings, Children's Services, schools and mental health. Click the button below to view our contact details. Targeted Group Sessions For targeted groups of young people who have increased vulnerability to substance misuse we can provide structured and unstructured educational sessions tailored to the needs of each group. Click the button below to view our group offer. Contact Us Screening Tool Group Offer Contact Us Referrals to our Services To refer a young person you are working with, please use the referral forms below. If you need support, have any questions about the forms, or are unsure whether a referral is appropriate, we recommend contacting us to discuss. All three of our young people’s services are voluntary. This means that children and young people must understand what the service offers before a referral is made and must give their consent to receive support. Our YouCan & Unity services can also offer brief interventions to young people who may not require ongoing support. This can be up to 3 sessions. YouCan This service is for: Age under 19's Living in Norfolk Impacted by family/relative drug/alcohol use If you would like to refer an young person affected by a family members drug/alcohol use, please use the referral form below. YouCan Referral Form Unity This service is for: Age under 19's Living in Norfolk Want to stop/reduce drugs/alcohol use If you would like to refer a young person regarding their drug/alcohol use, please use the referral form below. Unity Referral Form OnTrack This service is for: 13 - 24 year olds Living in Norfolk At risk/not in education or employment If you would like to refer a young person who would like stupport to move closer to education, training or employment, please use the referral form below. OnTrack Referral Form Newsletter To keep up to date with what our young people's team has been up to, subscribe to our professional's monthly newsletter using the button below. Newsletter Sign-Up Working with Families We provide comprehensive support for our service users which can incorporate support for parents and carers. You can find out more about what we cover via the parents info page using the button below. Parent Info Getting Appropriate Accurate Advice and Information We have a resources page where we link to relevant resources to help better inform and support young people, parents and carers. If you work for an organisation that you think would benefit the young people we work with, please get in touch. Resources FAQ's Do you work collaboratively with other services? Yes, we actively engage with other service providers who are supporting a young person. What is the referral criteria? - Under 19 years old - Living in Norfolk - Either 1) Affected by a family member's drug or alcohol use or 2) would like to reduce their own use How do I make a referral? Here is a link to our referral form - Or you can phone us on our advice line: 0800 970 4866 Do I need consent from a young person to do a referral? Yes, we will not be able to accept a referral if consent has been obtained from the young person. How long is the support for? We tailor the support we provide to individuals based on their specific needs and circumstances. Do you provide an aftercare services for individuals who have completed the programme? After a young person has completed their time with our service, we will conduct a follow-up phone check on how they are getting on. Additionally, they have the option to connect with us through our live chat for support. Do you offer services for family members of individuals struggling with addiction? We have a parent support group for parents/carers of children who are under 19. Does a young person's parents/carers need to know that they are receiving support from you? If a young person is under 13, they will need consent from their parent/carer to receive support. If they are over 13 years old and competent, we can support them without their parents' consent. Can I discuss a young person I am worried about before referring them? Yes, you can chat to us via the live chat, advice line or via email - Contact Us | Unity (matthewprojectyoungpeople.org)

Interactive drug and alcohol awareness sessions for KS2, KS3, KS4 and post-16 students. Preventative substance misuse education for schools and colleges. Universal Drug & Alcohol Awareness Sessions Our universal drug and alcohol awareness sessions provide children and young people with age-appropriate information about drugs, alcohol, smoking and related risks. The sessions are designed to support young people to understand the potential impact of substance use, recognise risky situations and develop the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. Our sessions are interactive, engaging and tailored to the age and needs of the group. Sessions can be delivered as a standalone lesson, as part of a wider programme of learning, or alongside your PSHE curriculum, Health Awareness Day or safeguarding and wellbeing programme. Price: £300 plus travel (One YP Team member, full day) If you would like to arrange a drug and alcohol awareness session for your school, college or education setting, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Us Our Sessions We offer universal awareness sessions across different stages of education. KS2: Years 5 & 6 Our KS2 sessions provide an introduction to drugs, alcohol, smoking and related risks through sensitive, age-appropriate activities. Sessions use relatable scenarios and interactive activities to help children explore: What drugs and alcohol are How to stay safe in different situations County lines and exploitation Where to go for help and support The potential risks and effects of substances KS3 & KS4: Years 7 - 11 Our KS3 sessions build on existing knowledge and explore substance use in more depth. Young people are encouraged to think about the reasons people may choose to use substances, the risks involved and how external influences can affect decision-making. Interactive discussions and real-life scenarios help young people consider how they might respond to situations they could encounter themselves or see among their peers. Sessions can explore topics including: Drugs and alcohol and their effects Myths and facts about substances Smoking and vaping Risk-taking and decision-making Peer pressure Staying safe and reducing risk County lines, exploitation and vulnerability Where to access support College & Post-16 Our sessions for college and post-16 students recognise the increased independence and different experiences of older young people. Sessions encourage open discussion around substance use, risk and decision-making, while providing factual information and practical advice about staying safe. Sessions can be adapted to suit the needs of your students and the priorities of your college or setting. Alcohol and drug-related harm Risk-taking and decision-making Smoking and vaping Social and peer influences County lines and exploitation Substance use and mental wellbeing Staying safe at social events and in the community How and where to access support

Resources to help inform you and keep you safe around drug and alcohol use. Leaflets and Posters Download and print our leaflets and posters to use in your school, workplace, community centre, or anywhere that young people may want to learn more about our services. YouCan Leaflet Poster Parent's Leaflet Unity Leaflet Poster Parent's Leaflet On Track NEET Voice General Leaflet King's Lynn and West Norfolk Coaching Great Yarmouth Support SafeSpace Confidentiality Is it safe to talk here? Leaflet Substance Information Ketamine Poster Substance Information Support for Professionals Professionals' Poster Refugees & Asylum Seekers - translated into 6 languages English Arabic Farsi Kurdish Sorani Pashto (Afghan) Kurdish Kurmanji Tigrinya

Explore our services and get in touch Our Services 01. Custom Project This service is designed to tackle unique challenges and specific client needs. We collaborate closely to define project scope, deliverables, and timelines, ensuring a tailored solution built from the ground up. Your vision becomes our blueprint for success. Show more 02. Personal Solution Planning We offer dedicated time to understand your individual requirements and aspirations. Through focused discussions, we help map out actionable steps and personalized strategies to achieve your goals effectively. Let us guide you toward your desired outcomes. Show more 03. Expert Guidance Package Gain access to our specialized knowledge and proven methodologies. This package provides comprehensive support and strategic insights developed to overcome specific obstacles and accelerate progress. Empower yourself with expert advice. Show more

Want to share your ideas and feedback? Leave them here with us. Have Your Say Your voice counts! We want to know what you think. Your ideas help us make our services more visible and better for young people like you. Here is a video about how you can get involved: Participation Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Ways You Can Get Involved Be on the Interview Panel When we hire new staff, young people from our service help us choose who gets the job! If you want to be part of an interview panel and have your say, just ask your worker how to get involved. Share Your Thoughts in Surveys Throughout the year, you’ll get the chance to share your opinions in short surveys. Your worker will help you fill them out, and your feedback helps us make things better for everyone. Join an Advisory Group Want to help shape how our services work? Join one of our advisory groups! You’ll help come up with new ideas and share what you think about how we do things. Make a Difference in Norfolk Take part in special participation days run by Norfolk County Council. You’ll meet other young people, share your views, and help make real changes across the county. Anonymous Feedback We believe young people should be at the heart of shaping our service. Your thoughts, ideas, and feedback help us grow and make things better for everyone. We want to make sure you feel listened to and involved in the decisions that affect you. Whether things are going well or could be improved, we’re here to hear what you think. You can share your feedback with your worker, message us or use the anonymous feedback form - whatever feels right for you. Write a message Submit

Discover clear information for young people about alcohol, its effects, and how to make safer choices. Learn facts, tips, and where to find help. What you should know about Alcohol This page explains how alcohol can affect your body and share tips for having a safer night out. Young people helped create this page, working alongside the Unity service . Therefore, the stories featured relate specifically to Norfolk. ⚠️ Dangers of Mixing ⚠️ Combining alcohol with other drugs can worsen their harmful effects and increase the risk of overdose. When mixed with other substances it will affect your judgement, leading to risk taking and can cause harm to your developing brain and body. Alcohol and the Brain Alcohol is a depressant - not because it can make you cry, but because it slows your brain down. Messages between your brain and body start travelling in slow motion. That’s why your balance, coordination, and general “acting normal” skills can be affected. Alcohol reaches your brain in about 5–10 minutes after your first sip and can make you feel relaxed or euphoric at first ( due to dopamine release) but if you drink too much , or too often it can also affect your mood and behaviour , causing depression, anxiety, or aggression. Memory (Hippocampus) It also interferes with the hippocampus, the brain’s memory centre. That’s what causes blackouts or difficulty remembering things after drinking. Decision Making (Frontal Lobe) The first part of your brain alcohol hits is the frontal lobe (the decision-making part of your brain), that’s why you might feel extra confident and chatty. Basically, alcohol makes risky choices feel easier. Movement and Balance (Cerebellum) Alcohol affects the Cerebellum, which controls movement, balance, and coordination. This is why people may stumble on or slur their words. Brainstem (breathing and heartrate) The brainstem controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, swallowing and consciousness. If you drink too much, your brain can slow so much that it forgets to tell your body to breathe, and your gag reflex can stop working so if you vomit, you can’t cough or clear your airway . This is like drowning in your own vomit , which is why alcohol poisoning is so dangerous. Hover over the boxes below to see more details. Impact on the Teenage Brain The brain continues to develop into a person's mid-20s , with a critical period occurring during adolescence (a period of rapid brain development). Alcohol is a neurotoxin that can interfere with this process and alter the way the brain is wired , potentially causing long-lasting changes in brain structure and function: Alcohol can interfere with the development of the frontal lobe , which is crucial for impulse control, planning, and judgement. GABA When you drink alcohol , it increases the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. This can depress your brainstem - that’s the bit in charge of keeping you alive by keeping your heart beating and your lungs breathing without you having to think about it! Alcohol doesn’t create GABA; it just makes its effects stronger, like turning up your brain’s “relax mode.” When this happens, your thinking, movement, and reflexes slow down . Risks of using Alcohol Hover over the photos below, to see the risks of Alcohol. Physical Raises heart rate and blood pressure, straining the heart. Weakens memory, immunity, and nutrient absorption, increasing illness risk. Disrupts deep and REM sleep, causing fatigue and poor concentration. Agitation Feeling Disconnected or Psychotic Symptoms Low Mood or Depression Panic Attacks Memory Problems Social Lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, causing arguments, misunderstandings, or risky behaviour. Long-term heavy drinking can damage health and strain relationships. Frequent drinking can cause mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. Can worsen depression and anxiety and may create a cycle of emotional dependence. Emotional Safer Night Out - Stay Safe Tips For You and Your Mates Planning a night out? Here are some helpful tips to help you stay safe and enjoy yourself. Press the arrow on the slideshow to see information for before, during, and after your night out. Before a Night Out Set a limit. Excessive drinking harms your health, relationships, and sexual safety. It can also lead to poor decisions, aggression, and memory loss. Setting a limit helps you stay in control. Keeping within your limit reduces the chance of injuries and dangerous situations caused by intoxication. Stay hydrated. Alcohol is a diuretic - it makes your body lose water through increased urination. This leads to dehydration, which causes thirst, headaches, and hangovers. Charge your phone before heading out, and bring a portable charger if you can. In case you need to call anyone in an emergency or to get a lift home Eat a proper meal. Eating foods rich in protein, fat, and carbohydrates slows the absorption of alcohol, reducing how quickly you get drunk. This helps prevent a sudden spike in blood alcohol levels and protects the stomach lining from irritation. Sort your journey home in advance. Whether it’s public transport, a trusted taxi, or a designated sober driver. Young People's Stories Watch young people from our Unity service share their real stories and perspectives on alcohol - honest and straight from their experience. Alcohol Webpage Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Young person - 1 I started using alcohol because it was accessible. I knew it wouldn’t necessarily help, but at the time it felt like it would. At first, it was really good, but then I ended up in hospital and that’s when I realised things were starting to get worse. That’s also when I started working with the Matthew Project. It definitely made my mental health worse, because I noticed that whenever something was wrong, I used more and it didn’t help. The moment I realised I needed support was when I ended up in hospital after a drinking binge. The Matthew Project helped me in multiple ways: harm reduction and just nice having someone decent to talk to. My advice to someone else struggling would be: talk to someone and try to understand what you’re doing and why. Things for me now… I haven’t drunk any alcohol for about a month - that was the thing I was most worried about. I talk to my mum more about things now, and I think she worries less. I don’t go to CAMHS anymore because I feel I cope better, but I know to go back if things ever get worse. Video Prefer watching instead of reading? Check out this short video about Alcohol to see how it affects people and get the facts you need. Alcohol - Respect Your Brain Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied About The Matthew Project If you’re under 19 and using ketamine or other substances, our Unity service is here to support you. You won’t get in trouble for reaching out. Click the button below to learn more about the Unity service. If you are 19 or over, you will need to contact Change Grow Live. Unity Service

Drug and alcohol education sessions for schools, colleges and young people. Explore our targeted and universal substance misuse awareness sessions. Drug and Alcohol Education Sessions We provide drug and alcohol education sessions for children and young people across schools, colleges and other education settings. Our sessions are designed to help young people understand the risks associated with drugs and alcohol, develop their awareness of risky situations and make informed choices. We offer two types of education sessions: Targeted and Universal. The right option will depend on the needs of the young people you are working with. Targeted Sessions Our targeted sessions are designed for young people who may have an increased vulnerability to substance misuse. Sessions can be tailored around the needs of your group, allowing us to focus on the issues that are most relevant to the young people you work with. Targeted Sessions Universal Sessions Our universal sessions offer tailored, interactive information sessions on drugs, alcohol and smoking awareness delivered within your school timetable, either standalone or as a block. There is a charge for universal sessions, as these sessions are not funded through our existing services. Universal Sessions Not sure which option is right for your young people? Get in touch with our Unity team and we can talk through your requirements. Contact Us

The Matthew Project is a Norfolk charity offering free, confidential support for young people dealing with issues around drugs, alcohol, or family substance use. Our services include YouCan (help for under-19s affected by a family member’s substance use), Unity (support for under-19s impacted by personal or others' substance use), and On Track (guidance for 13-24s facing barriers to education or employment). Supporting Young People Across Norfolk Find the right support for you Our Young People Services Take a look at our three services and see which one could help you. Read More YouCan If you’re worried about a family member or relative using drugs or alcohol, use the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: Aged under 19 Living in Norfolk Impacted by family/relative drug/alcohol use Read More Unity If you're worried that your own drug or alcohol use is having a significant impact on you or others, click the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: Aged under 19 Living in Norfolk Wanting to stop or reduce their drug or alcohol use Read More On Track If you’re facing barriers that make it difficult to find or stay in education or employment, use the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: Aged 13–24 Living in Norfolk At risk of, or not currently in, education or employment Accessibility We’re here to make every young person feel welcome and supported. Whether you meet us in person or online, we aim to make accessing our services straightforward. Click the button below to find out more. Accessibility Support What's New Our latest news, events, and updates. New Substance Info Pages for Young People The Flourish Survey 2024 revealed a statistic that almost 1 in 5 young people in Norfolk said they have no one or nowhere to get information about alcohol use. At The Matthew Project, we wanted to help change that. With the input of young people, we’ve developed five brand-new substance information pages on our website designed specifically for young people who want clear, honest, and reliable information. These pages cover: Real stories from young people we support Har YouCan Summer Activities Supporting children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use Over the summer, our YouCan team has been busy providing safe, positive and memorable experiences for 14 children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use. YouCan offers one-to-one support and group activities where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, try new things and connect with others who may have similar experiences. Fishing at Shallowbrook Lakes We st On Track's July Highlights: Supporting Young People Across Norfolk July was another fantastic month for our On Track service as we continued supporting young people aged 13 - 24 who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) across Norfolk. SafeSPACE Decoupage Workshop On 1st July, eight young people attended a creative decoupage workshop in Norwich. This was the second session, with the first introducing the group to the craft and the second providing an opportunity to work on larger projects. A huge thank you to Rosie fo On Track's June Highlights At The Matthew Project, our On Track service supports young people who are not in education, training or employment (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET, by providing positive activities, employability support, and opportunities to build confidence and skills. June was another busy month for our On Track team. Here's a look at what our young people achieved. Snettisham Park Farm Our King's Lynn and West Norfolk group enjoyed a fantastic visit to Park Farm at Snettisham as p 1 2 3 4 5 Your Stories Read real stories from young people like you. YouCan Service "The Matthew Project and all of the workers there have helped me over the years so much and i wouldn't have been able to cope with certain situations without their support. I have always felt comfortable and listened to." "They listen and give you good feedback and don't try to pretend that things are ok but actually have a human conversation and you feel like you're actually being listened to." "I feel like i understand how it affects me. She made me realise how well I can cope with it and if needed I can message her. Now I feel comfortable with talking to my dad about his alcohol abuse knowing my worker has comforted me with it and given me advice on how to deal with the affect it has on me." Have Your Say Your thoughts and ideas help us make our services better and easier to access for young people. Click the button below to find out more about the different ways you can have your say. Have Your Say Social Media Take a look at what we’ve been up to over on our Instagram page! Load more