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 started the summer with a brilliant morning of fishing at Shallowbrook Lakes. Everyone managed to catch lots of fish and even our staff couldn’t resist having a go! A huge thank you to UK Fishing School for helping to make the day so special. Their team were patient, supportive and fantastic at helping everyone feel comfortable and confident. Learning lifesaving skills Our second activity focused on practical first aid and lifesaving skills. Young people learned how to respond in an emergency and built their confidence in knowing what to do when someone needs help. Learning these skills can help young people feel more prepared and confident if an emergency happens at home or out in the community. Own a Pony Day at Squirrel Wood Equestrian Centre We enjoyed a magical Own a Pony Day at Squirrel Wood Equestrian Centre. The group learned what it takes to care for a pony, including grooming, feeding, tacking up, mucking out and riding through the woodland. For some of the young people, this was a once in a lifetime experience, and we love being able to create opportunities and memories like this. Laser Quest The summer also included a trip to Laser Quest, with young people travelling together by minibus to Bury St Edmunds. It was a great opportunity to have fun, spend time together and enjoy something a little different! Art workshop We also held an art workshop, giving young people the chance to get creative and express themselves through art. They created artwork to display at our centre, helping to make the space feel personal and welcoming for the young people who use it. Outdoor adventure at Eaton Vale We headed to Eaton Vale Scout and Guide Activity Centre for an action packed day of outdoor activities. The group took part in an assault course, raft building, climbing and archery, with plenty of encouragement and support from the instructors. With the sun shining, everyone especially enjoyed cooling off in the water while raft building! Pottery painting at Honeypots Studio Our young people also got creative during a pottery painting trip to Honeypots Studio. Everyone created some amazing designs, and we can’t wait to see the finished pieces once they have been glazed! Finishing the summer with an escape room challenge We finished the summer programme with an escape room challenge at Escape Hunt. It was a fun way for young people to work together, communicate, solve problems and put their teamwork skills to the test. We’re proud to say that both groups managed to escape within an hour! Why YouCan support matters Growing up with a family member’s substance use can affect a young person’s confidence, wellbeing and sense of stability. Having somewhere safe to talk, feel listened to and spend time with others who may understand their experiences can make a real difference. YouCan provides children and young people with access to one-to-one support, group activities and advisory groups, where young people can share their views and help shape the service. Through these opportunities, YouCan helps young people feel heard, build confidence, develop positive coping strategies and recognise that they are not alone in their experiences. Our summer activities are just one part of the wider support available through YouCan for children and young people affected by substance use in their family. Get support from YouCan If you or someone you know could benefit from YouCan support, please get in touch with our team.

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 for facilitating such an engaging and creative workshop. King's Lynn Volunteering Day at RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre On 7th July, six young people from our King's Lynn & West Norfolk Personal Development Programme took part in a rewarding volunteering day at the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre. The group worked incredibly hard throughout the day, painting sheds and helping install new fencing for the deer enclosure. As a reward for their efforts, they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the centre and even had the opportunity to feed the seals. We would like to thank all the young people who participated for their enthusiasm and commitment, as well as the amazing team at RSPCA East Winch for making us feel so welcome. Experiences like this help young people develop teamwork, responsibility and practical skills while exploring future volunteering and employment opportunities. Norwich Allotments On 8th July, six young people from our SafeSPACE group spent the day at the Matthew Project allotments. Together they helped to build a wildlife pond, planted sweetcorn, completed weeding tasks and harvested fresh produce including onions and radishes. They even had the chance to pick and taste fresh broad beans straight from the allotment. Laser Tag Our SafeSPACE group headed to Quasar Norwich on 15th July for an afternoon of laser tag. Eight young people took part, developing teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while having plenty of fun. We'd like to thank the team at Quasar for making everybody feel welcome and ensuring the day was enjoyable for all involved. Bringing Groups Together at Pleasure Beach On 21st July, young people from our Norwich and Great Yarmouth groups came together for a brilliant day at Pleasure Beach. The group enjoyed the rides, spent time socialising and finished the day with chips for lunch. Bringing young people together from different locations helps build friendships, reduce isolation and create positive shared experiences. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success. Celebrating Stories of Strength On 22nd July, members of our SafeSPACE group visited the Stories of Strength exhibition at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. During the visit, young people helped install QR codes, making it easier for visitors to access and engage with the inspiring stories on display. We are incredibly proud of every young person who shared their experiences and contributed to such a meaningful project. You can read the stories here Tackling Imposter Syndrome Later on 22nd July, we delivered the fourth Norwich Personal Development Programme session for the SafeSPACE group, focusing on imposter syndrome. The group explored what imposter syndrome is, how it can affect confidence, and practical strategies for challenging negative thought patterns. Young people designed their own "Imposter Monster", took part in a game of Imposter Pong and discussed ways to recognise their achievements and strengths. The session created a safe space for honest conversations, reflection and encouragement, helping young people develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. Building Employability Skills in King's Lynn On 28th July, our King's Lynn & West Norfolk Personal Development Programme continued with Session Five at The Walks. Seven young people enjoyed an afternoon of team games and problem-solving challenges in the sunshine. It was fantastic to see everyone encouraging one another, working together and strengthening their teamwork skills. Developing employability skills such as communication, collaboration and resilience is a key part of helping young people move towards education, training and employment opportunities. Sea Life Centre On 29th July, our SafeSPACE group joined the Great Yarmouth group for a fun-filled day out at the Sea Life Centre. After, everyone headed to the beach to take part in the Summer Social activities, where they enjoyed building sandcastles and spending time together in the sunshine. Sweet Briar Marshes The following day, on 30 July, the safeSPACE group visited Sweet Briar Marshes for a habitat trail. We were taken on a guided tour, learning about the different habitats found within the nature reserve and the wildlife that calls them home. One of the highlights was discovering how to tell the difference between a damselfly and a dragonfly. If you or someone you know could benefit from support from On Track, find out more here

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 part of their Personal Development Programme. Seven young people attended the trip, where they experienced a deer safari, fed baby lambs, and spent time with some very friendly goats. A huge thank you to Park Farm for making the group feel so welcome and creating such a positive experience for everyone involved. Decoupage The SafeSPACE group in Norwich took part in a decoupage workshop, attended by eight young people. Creative activities can play an important role in improving wellbeing, reducing stress, and helping young people express themselves. The session gave participants the opportunity to learn a new skill while spending time together in a supportive environment. A special thank you goes to Rosie for facilitating the workshop and helping make the session such a success. Understanding Imposter Syndrome As part of the King's Lynn and West Norfolk employability programme, young people took part in their third employability session. The group explored the topic of imposter syndrome and discussed the feelings of self-doubt that many people experience. Through activities including "Have You Ever Felt?" and "Imposter Pong," young people learned how to challenge negative thoughts and build confidence. The session also welcomed Candace from Connect to Work, who spoke about the support and employment opportunities available to young people as they begin their journey into work. Allotment Six young people from SafeSPACE enjoyed a visit to a local allotment where they spent time outdoors learning practical skills. Together they built a wildlife pond, planted sweetcorn, completed weeding tasks, and harvested fresh produce including onions and radishes. The group also had the opportunity to pick and taste broad beans. Ending the Month with Drug and Alcohol Awareness The final employability session of June focused on drug and alcohol awareness. Providing young people with accurate information and a safe space to talk about substances. These sessions form an important part of the wider personal development programme, helping young people gain knowledge and life skills that will benefit them in the future. Supporting Young People Who Are NEET in Norfolk On Track supports young people across Norfolk who are not currently in education, employment, or training, as well as those at risk of becoming NEET. Through group activities, employability sessions, personal development opportunities, and one-to-one support, young people can build confidence, develop new skills, and take positive steps towards their future. If this support could benefit you or someone you know, you can find out more here: https://www.matthewprojectyoungpeople.org/on-track

The last couple of months have been packed with activities, learning opportunities and fun experiences for the young people involved with On Track. From employability workshops to outdoor adventures, it’s been fantastic to see young people building confidence, developing new skills and connecting with others in a supportive environment. Safe SPACE Arts & Crafts Session - 16th April We started with a creative arts and crafts session for our Safe SPACE group. Six young people attended and enjoyed an afternoon of getting creative and spending time together in a safe and welcoming environment. Sessions like these provide a great opportunity for young people to socialise, express themselves and build confidence. Employability Skills Sessions Launch in King’s Lynn - 20th April Our first Employability Skills session in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk took place with six young people attending. The session focused on problem solving and teamwork through a range of interactive activities. Young people were challenged to build the tallest tower using marshmallows and spaghetti - with the winning tower reaching an impressive 69cm! We also played “What’s in my Bag?” and a creative twist on Pictionary, where one person described an image while another attempted to draw it. A huge thank you to the Family Hub in King’s Lynn for allowing us to use their space for the session. Safe SPACE Allotment Visit - 23rd April Seven young people joined us for a brilliant afternoon at the allotments. Everyone got involved with planting potatoes, cabbage, strawberries and runner beans. It was fantastic to see young people trying something new, working together and enjoying being outdoors. Safe SPACE at Eaton Park - 30th April We made the most of the sunny weather with an afternoon at Eaton Park. Six young people took part in a photo scavenger hunt, played catch and football, and enjoyed spending time together in the sunshine. Sessions like these are a great way to develop teamwork skills. Safe SPACE Trip to Winterton - 8th May Our Safe SPACE group took a trip to Winterton in the hope of spotting some seals. Although we only saw a couple out at sea, the group still had a fantastic day exploring the beach and spending time together. Six young people attended and enjoyed the opportunity to get out and experience somewhere new. King’s Lynn Employability Skills Session 2 - 11th May Five young people attended our second employability and personal development session in King’s Lynn, which focused on positive thinking. Young people explored their strengths and weaknesses, discussed how to turn challenges into positives, and created their own “strength jars” filled with encouraging reminders and personal achievements. We repeated this session in Norwich on 15th May, with four young people. Safe SPACE Trip to Hunters Yard – 18th May We had a wonderful day at Hunters Yard, with six young people enjoying the opportunity to get outdoors, try new experiences, and spend quality time together. A special thank you to Hunters Yard for facilitating the day, and to Rachael at Tesco Ipswich Road for kindly providing lunch for the group - your support helped make the day even more special for the young people involved. Coming Up Next… We’re looking forward to our next Norwich Safe SPACE employability session on 27th May, which will focus on developing problem solving skills through interactive activities and teamwork challenges. If you are a young person who would like support to move closer to education, training, employment or volunteering, you can find out more about On Track on our website.

We know that not every child and young person feels ready to attend group activities or connect face-to-face with others who have lived experience. For some, taking part in activities from the comfort and safety of home can feel like a much more manageable first step. That’s why, last year over the summer holidays, our YouCan service launched a series of At Home Activity Packs designed to help children and young people stay engaged, creative, and connected during the school break. Each holiday period, we produce 50 of each pack in an effort to reach as many young people as possible. The activities are tailored to different age groups and interests, giving young people something meaningful, positive, and enjoyable to focus on at home. Summer Holiday Activity Packs Our summer packs included a range of fun and creative themes, encouraging young people to try new things, build confidence, and spend quality time with family members or carers. The packs included: Baking Pack Bug Hunting Pack Self-Care Pack Growing Pack Positivity Pack Art Pack The response from families was incredibly positive, with many sharing how much the activities helped young people feel engaged and excited during the holidays. “The activity packs were greatly received and we made the cupcakes last night which were pretty good! [YP name removed] was straight on his bug pack and found all of them in our back garden except for a butterfly. I did not know we had a family of grasshoppers living in our back garden so I’ve learnt something too.” Continuing Through the Year Following the success of the summer packs, we continued creating themed activity packs throughout the year to coincide with school holidays and seasonal events. October Half-Term For October, we created a cosy comfort pack designed to help young people relax and unwind during the darker autumn evenings. Christmas Holidays Our Christmas pack focused on festive arts and crafts activities, encouraging creativity and giving young people the opportunity to make something special over the holiday period. February Half-Term In February, young people received a pancake-making kit, offering a fun activity they could enjoy independently or alongside family members. Easter Holidays Our Easter packs gave young people the opportunity to grow their own sunflowers and tomatoes, helping them learn new skills while encouraging patience, responsibility, and wellbeing through gardening. May Half-Term Reading & Writing Pack This May half-term, we’re encouraging imagination and creativity through a reading and writing themed pack. The pack includes: A book to read A blank book for creating their own stories Hot chocolate Biscuits Stickers A bookmark Story writing prompts and tips We hope these packs continue to provide children and young people with enjoyable experiences, opportunities to learn new skills, and moments of calm and creativity during the school holidays. Our At Home Activity Packs are a reminder that support can look different for every young person, and sometimes, small activities at home can make a big difference.

Here is a real story from a young person within our service, sharing their experience with ketamine. Their journey highlights how use can develop over time and the impact it can have on wellbeing, relationships, and everyday life. At The Matthew Project , we support young people at all stages of their journey, offering a safe, non-judgemental space to talk openly and explore the changes they want to make. By sharing this story, we hope to raise awareness and help others recognise when they might benefit from support. “I first started doing Ketamine when I was 15 as just another drug i wanted to try for fun with friends. I got such a euphoric high from it and found myself drawn more to it than other drugs. It was so fun I went from doing it at events now and again to getting through multiple g’s a week. It was often hard to stop buying it as i had friends around me who loved it just as much. I didn’t realise I had a problem until i started doing it every other day. It was becoming an obsession in my head, i found myself doing it around friends who didn’t touch drugs, blowing any money i had on it and using it alone in my room. I reached out for help when I began stealing money from my parents to afford it and taking amounts of my friend’s ketamine to get a bigger high for myself.          My tolerance grew, my cravings grew but the fun of the high shrank. I would be out of it for hours and be left tired and low, unable to do my day to day activities. Ketamine affects my friendships, my college work and I found myself distant from family, especially when I was always doing it out with others or in my room alone.  When I am feeling low or stressed, I think about how good i would feel on it and my mind often try’s to find excuses to buy myself some. One of the biggest challenges I faced was discipline; I would say yes at any opportunity or go straight back to it when something went wrong in my life, it was hard to finally choose to cut myself off.  The Matthew Project has helped me through meeting weekly to talk about my usage and the ways in which Ketamine created problems in my life.  I have gained a bigger awareness on the harmful impact it has on my body and mind. The Matthew Project has helped me find other ways I can find highs in my life which don’t come from drugs and understand the way my addiction has affected me over the past year.  My advice to anyone struggling with Ketamine use is it’s not silly to ask for support. I used to think I didn’t have a problem and I could stop whenever I felt like it. But i never stopped and i struggled to manage my well-being. Talk to people because then it gets easier to find solutions on how to make a change.  I feel I am doing okay now. I’m not using it as often as I used to and I am learning about myself and what how want to shape my future, moving away from ketamine use. I’ve distanced myself from certain friends who made it harder to quit and I started ignoring my dealers.  I found being around people who didn’t use Ketamine and instead found fun in simple activities like spending time with each other was the most positive impact on my drug reduction. I found enjoyment in the little things I forgot I loved.” If you’d like to learn more about ketamine, including its effects and risks, you can visit our information page here: https://www.matthewprojectyoungpeople.org/ketamine If you’re under 19, living in Norfolk, and feeling worried about your own drug or alcohol use, our Unity service is here to support you. You can find out more about the support available here: https://www.matthewprojectyoungpeople.org/unity

At The Matthew Project , our On Track service supports young people across Norfolk who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), or who may be at risk of disengaging. Through a mix of group activities  and one-to-one support , we help young people develop confidence, build new skills, and explore future opportunities in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. March was a busy and positive month, with young people getting involved in a wide range of activities across Norfolk. Here’s what we got up to: Early March Activities Jewellery Making – 2nd March King’s Lynn & West Norfolk SPACE Group Young people got creative with Ali from CREA, designing and making their own jewellery pieces. It was a great opportunity to express creativity, try something new, and take home something they’d made themselves. Cooking Session – 5th March Norwich SafeSPACE Our Norwich SafeSPACE group made chicken and tuna pasta bake with homemade garlic bread. A huge thank you to Steven, our Hospitality Lead, for delivering such an engaging and hands-on session. Pizza Making – 9th March King’s Lynn & West Norfolk SPACE Group The group had a fantastic time creating their own pizzas from scratch. Another big thank you to Steven for sharing his skills and making the session fun and interactive. Visit to The Horstead Centre – 6th March Joint On Track Groups Young people from across our On Track projects came together for an exciting day at The Horstead Centre. Activities included team challenges, the vertical challenge, zip line, archery, and even learning how to build a fire. The day ended perfectly with marshmallows and hot chocolate around the fire. One young person shared: “The staff are nice and the food. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone. I’ve enjoyed the social bit.” Mid-March Highlights Employability Visit – 12th March Norwich SafeSPACE Young people visited Adrian Flux Insurance Services, where they gained insight into office life, learned about the insurance industry, and picked up valuable interview tips. Nibble & Natter – 19th March Norwich SafeSPACE This relaxed session focused on socialising, games, and connection. Alongside snacks and catch-ups, we introduced our new hygiene station , offering items like shampoo and body wash. Young people are encouraged to take what they need, when they need it. If you’d like to donate, please get in touch.   End of March Drug & Alcohol Awareness Session – 24th March Norwich SafeSPACE We wrapped up the month with an engaging awareness session, helping young people understand the effects of substances in a safe and interactive way. As always, the beer goggles were a hit and sparked some great conversations.   Want to Get Involved? If you’re aged 13–24 , living in Norfolk , and not currently in education, employment or training, or you feel like you might be struggling, our On Track team  is here to support you. We offer a safe space to build confidence, meet new people, and take positive steps towards your future. 👉 Find out more and make a referral here: https://www.matthewprojectyoungpeople.org/on-track

Last week, staff members Josie, Kev and Léa took 10 young people from our YouCan service at The Matthew Project on a two-night residential to How Hill and it’s safe to say the trip was nothing short of incredible. This was our second visit to How Hill, having last been in 2024, and we were so excited to return. From the moment we arrived, it felt like something special. Day 1: Settling in and Exploring We arrived at the house at 10:30am, where the group got to know the house rules, settle into their bedrooms, and enjoy some time in the garden. We were warmly welcomed by Becky from How Hill, who stayed with us throughout the trip and shared her incredible knowledge. The gardens at How Hill are beautiful, and it didn’t take long for the young people to make the most of the space - playing frisbee, running around, and organising a game of manhunt together. After lunch, we headed out for dyke dipping, where the group discovered a variety of creatures, including water beetles. Everyone had a turn using nets in a figure-of-eight motion to explore what was beneath the surface, carefully transferring their findings into trays before returning them safely to the water. We followed this with a nature trail, setting up cameras along the way to see what wildlife we might capture later in the week. Back at the house, Becky taught the group how to weave - another new skill to try. Dinner that evening was a big hit: chicken goujons, wedges and peas, followed by chocolate sponge cake with chocolate sauce. After some free time, we ended the day watching a truly beautiful sunset together. Day 2: Adventure and Creativity After breakfast at 8:30am, we set off on a boat trip to Barton Broad. The sunshine stayed with us, and we were lucky enough to spot swans and kingfishers. Becky’s expert knowledge of bird calls made the experience even more special. Back on land, we got creative with clay modelling, shaping animals and incorporating natural materials like sticks and acorns. After lunch, it was time to try thatching. Splitting into two groups, the young people worked together to build their own roofs - successfully tested when Becky poured water over them while they stood underneath. Both teams stayed completely dry! The afternoon continued with den building in the forest and owl pellet dissection, where the group carefully examined and identified tiny bones. Dinner that evening was sausages, mash, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. The group couldn’t decide, so the kitchen kindly did both mash and roast potatoes! We were also treated to sponge cake with sprinkles for dessert, which went down brilliantly. The food across the trip was a real highlight and something everyone appreciated. That evening, over hot chocolate, we had some powerful conversations. We spoke about how we apply for funding to make opportunities like this possible. The young people then led the discussion and spoke about the impact the activities have had on them. Here are some of the things they shared: “I have met my second family here.”   “This is my long lost family now.”   “I have a new found confidence that I didn't know I had.”   “There’s been lots of new opportunities for me… I’ve tried new foods and new activities I hadn’t before.”   “It’s been nice getting some fresh air.”   “I loved joke time at dinner!”   “Thank you for letting me come to How Hill and teaching me to play frisbee.”   Day 3: Final Memories Our final morning came around far too quickly. Everyone worked together to pack up and get ready for the journey home. Before leaving, we spent time in the woods creating environmental art using natural materials - crafting everything from owls to deer. We also took part in orienteering, using maps to navigate the area, before finishing with lunch and some final free time in the garden. At 1pm, it was time to head home - happy and full of memories that will last a lifetime. A Trip to Remember Across the three days, the group took part in a huge range of activities, from den building and owl pellet dissection to clay modelling, orienteering and a boat trip on the Broads. Evenings were filled with frisbee, board games, laughter, and beautiful sunsets. The impact of the trip didn’t stop there. We received some lovely feedback from parents and carers: “Just wanted to say thank you to you all!! The boys haven't stopped talking about the residential! Thank you all for giving them that chance… they will never forget it!” “Thank you so much for taking them on the residential. They had a great time and loved the food! I really appreciate all you do and the opportunity for the children to gain trust in trained adults and have amazing experiences. I did not think they would be at this stage a year later and you have been a huge part of that.” We are so proud of every young person who came on this trip, for their willingness to try new things and the way they supported one another throughout. Find out more about the YouCan service and how we support young people by visiting our website.

Professionals working with children, young people, and families may encounter individuals affected by substance use, whether through a parent’s use or their own. Having the right knowledge and confidence is essential to enable meaningful and supportive conversations. That’s why, in November, we launched a series of specialist substance misuse training sessions designed to equip professionals with practical tools, up-to-date knowledge, and real insight from young people themselves.   Why Substance Use Training for Professionals Matters Understanding young people and substance use is vital, as early intervention and informed conversations can make a significant difference in a young person’s life. Our training programme was developed to help professionals: Build confidence in discussing drugs and alcohol with young people Learn about different types of substances and associated risks Understand the wider impact of parental drug and alcohol use on children Develop effective approaches to supporting young people affected by substance use   The Training Sessions We delivered 10 sessions in total, both online and in person, allowing professionals to engage in a way that suited them. Attendees could choose to attend individual sessions or complete the full programme. Each session focused on a key theme: Understanding Substance Use: Exploring different substances, their effects, and emerging trends in drug and alcohol use among young people. Supporting Young People: Practical strategies for engaging young people, building trust, and having meaningful conversations. The Impact of Parental Substance Use: Understanding how parental use affects children and young people, including developmental, psychological, and physical impacts. Reaching Professionals Across the Sector We’re proud to share that 111 professionals attended the training, representing a wide range of organisations working with children, young people and families. The sessions were delivered by Luke Adcock, Service Manager for The Matthew Project ’s YouCan and Unity services. With over 20 years of experience supporting young people affected by substance misuse, Luke brought a wealth of expertise, real-world insight, and practical guidance to each session.   What Professionals Said About the Training One of the strongest themes from the feedback was increased confidence. Whether it’s understanding the impact of substance use or knowing how to start a conversation, these skills are vital for anyone working with young people. By taking part in these training sessions, professionals are better equipped to support young people at risk of drug or alcohol misuse, signpost to support and create a safe environment for young people to talk. The feedback highlights the real value of creating space for learning, reflection, and discussion: “I felt like my knowledge was outdated, so it was good to have an updated conversation and to know what information is still relevant today.” “I have a better understanding of how conversations, particularly early on, can support a young person to make positive changes.” “I now have more knowledge and information, which I feel more confident in sharing with young people.” “It was easy to understand, delivered at a good pace… very informative and interesting!” “I definitely feel more confident in recognising the signs and behaviours of a child experiencing parental alcohol and drug misuse.” “I learned about services available for young people who have parents misusing substances, alongside gaining a greater understanding of the various impacts.”   Stay Updated on Future Training Opportunities If you work with children or young people and want to strengthen your understanding of substances, engage effectively, and explore the wider impact of parental use, keep an eye out for our future training sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-matthew-project-119199569811

At The Matthew Project , our On Track service supports young people across Norfolk who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), or who may be at risk of disengaging. Through group activities and one-to-one support, the team helps young people build confidence, learn new skills and explore future opportunities. February was a busy and exciting month, with young people getting involved in everything from creative workshops and careers events to wellbeing sessions and trips out. Here’s a look at what happened. Early February   2nd February - Creative Image Transfer Workshop (King’s Lynn) The month started with a creative session for young people from King’s Lynn & West Norfolk SPACE. Ali from CREA delivered a hands-on image transfer workshop, where 10 young people experimented with creative techniques and made their own artwork. A big thank you to Georgie from the YMCA for coming along to support the session and help make it such a positive experience. 5th February – Mental Health Focus Group (Norwich) Young people from Norwich SafeSPACE took part in a mental health focus group with Mental Health UK. Four young people shared their thoughts and experiences to help improve mental health support for young people. It was a great opportunity for them to have their voices heard.   Mid-February 10th February – Careers & Apprenticeship Event (King’s Lynn) Five young people from King’s Lynn & West Norfolk SPACE attended a Careers and Apprenticeship Event in King’s Lynn, where they had the chance to meet over 45 local employers. Events like this help young people discover different career paths, learn about apprenticeships and think about their next steps. 12th February – Healthy Relationships & Sexual Health Session (Norwich) Six young people from Norwich SafeSPACE took part in an informal and informative session delivered by The Magdalene Group. The session covered healthy relationships, contraception and sexual health, creating a relaxed space where young people could ask questions and learn useful information. A big thank you to Iulia and Aggie for leading such an important session.   Half-Term Adventures 18th February - Trip to the Sealife Centre (Great Yarmouth) During half-term, 11 young people from SafeSPACE and the Central Great Yarmouth Coaching project visited SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth. The group saw some amazing sea creatures and finished the trip with chips for lunch - a great way to end the day. Trips like this are a brilliant chance for young people to try new experiences and build friendships with people from different areas of Norfolk.   Late February 25th February – Bowling Trip (King’s Lynn) Four young people from King’s Lynn & West Norfolk SPACE went on a bowling trip. 26th February – Gardening and Planting (Norwich) Five young people from Norwich SafeSPACE took part in a gardening session. The group decorated plant pots and planted house plants to take home. They also planted potatoes in a grow bag in the car park, which everyone hopes will grow well in the coming months. If they do, the potatoes will be used in the kitchen at our Oak Street centre! Want to Get Involved? If you’re aged 13–24 and living in Norfolk, and you’re not currently in education, employment or training (or you feel like you’re struggling with it), the On Track team may be able to support you. You can learn more about the service and make a referral here : https://www.matthewprojectyoungpeople.org/on-track

Talking to our children about drugs and alcohol can seem daunting so many of us put it off or avoid it completely. We worry about when and how to talk to them because it can feel awkward, scary, or even unnecessary. However, we know from research that children who have open, honest conversations with their parents are less likely to engage in risky substance use. While schools discuss drugs and alcohol as part of PSHE, parents remain an influential source of information and values.  If you can instigate an open dialogue with your child, it can help them to understand risks and legal realities of substances, feel comfortable asking questions, develop the confidence to make positive choices and most importantly come to you if something goes wrong. Our Unity service is here to support you with honest information on the risks of different substances and support for your child or yourself if you need it.  You don’t need to be an expert (we can help there) you just need to be approachable and honest. Start the dialogue early and keep it going, you don’t need to wait until your child is a teenager. At primary age keep it simple and safety-focused, for example that medicines are only safe when given by a trusted adult. When curiosity increases in the teenage years you can discuss peer pressure and how to handle it, what alcohol and drugs do to the brain and body and about UK laws. As they get older focus on harm reduction and real-life situations such as how to stay safe at parties and look after your friends.  Make it a conversation, not a lecture, young people switch off quickly if they feel judged. Try to ask open questions, listen without interrupting, avoid scare tactics and stay calm, even if you’re shocked. If they think you’ll overreact, they might not come to you next time. Be honest about your own choices around drugs and alcohol, you don’t need to share every detail of your teenage years and certainly be careful not to glamourise, but honesty builds trust. It’s important that we model the behaviour we want to see, children notice how adults use alcohol and cannabis at home.  Set clear expectations, children feel safer when boundaries are clear, it’s okay to be explicit about your family rules on alcohol and drugs and what will happen if those rules are broken. Having said that it’s important that they know safety comes first and they can call you for help without fear of immediate punishment (not the same as lack of consequences). A “no questions asked” lift home rule can encourage safe decisions if things go wrong on a night out.  It’s good to be aware of possible warning signs of substance use. Changes that don’t always mean substance use but are important to watch for are sudden mood swings, secretive behaviour, new friendship groups with no explanation. Coming home smelling of alcohol or smoke, new problems at school. If changes make you concerned, stay calm and start a conversion.  If your child has already tried something don’t panic, thank them for being honest (if they have been). Focus on how much you love them, their safety and what they learned. It might be good to discuss how they’ll handle similar situations next time. If you’re worried about ongoing use, support them to seek support.  A one-off chat probably isn’t enough, hopefully you’ll be able to create an environment where questions are welcome, mistakes can be discussed safely and your child knows you’re on their side. Regular, possibly shorter low-pressure conversations maybe while driving or walking are often good.  Remember your relationship is the strongest protective factor your child has so try to preserve it as much as it depends on you, for the majority of young people “this too shall pass”.   For more information on specific substances, Unity has information pages on Ketamine , Alcohol , Cocaine , Cannabis and MDMA . These webpages provide practical guidance on risks, effects, and harm reduction strategies. The safest way to avoid risks is not using substances, but knowledge helps your child make safer choices.    Support for Parents   If your child is misusing substances, The Matthew Project runs a parents group once a month, offering a safe space to connect with others in similar situations. To join, email: unity@matthewproject.org

Are you a young person currently supported by the YouCan service , or have you been supported in the past? Do you want to help shape YouCan so it can provide the best possible support to young people?  The YouCan Advisory Group gives you the chance to share your ideas, make real changes, and have your voice heard. You’ll work alongside our team to help improve the service for other young people affected by a family member’s drug or alcohol use.  The next meeting is on Tuesday 10th March, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm , and we’d love for you to join us!    What is the YouCan Advisory Group?   The YouCan Advisory Group is a space where young people help shape how the YouCan service works. It’s all about listening to your ideas, experiences, and suggestions so we can improve support for young people affected by substance use in their families and reach those who need our support.  This group is open to young people aged 11+ who are currently supported by YouCan or have been in the past. When you join, you’ll work alongside staff to help make decisions and improvements.    What happens at meetings?   Meetings usually take place every two months online and last around one hour .  Sometimes, if we’re working on a project together, we might meet more often. Occasionally, we meet in person or take part in a fun activity as a thank you for your time and input.    What will you have your say on?   You don’t need to have all the answers, just your honest views. Together, we might explore things like:  How can YouCan be more inclusive and welcoming for everyone?  How can we reach more young people who need support for a family member’s substance use?  How can we make social media, leaflets, and our website more young-people friendly?  What works well already, and what could be better?  Your experiences can help improve support for other young people in similar situations.    What’s expected from you?   If you join the advisory group, we ask that you:  Care about making a positive difference for other young people  Share your ideas, opinions, and experiences  Work with us to improve the service  Try to attend sessions every two months  There’s no pressure. If you miss a session because of exams, college, work, or life, that’s completely fine.    What’s in it for you?   Joining the YouCan Advisory Group can help you:  Meet other young people with similar experiences  Build confidence speaking in a group  Gain experience for your CV, college, sixth form, university, or job applications  Have a safe space to talk about things that matter to you  Help improve support for yourself and other young people  Most importantly, your voice can help shape real change .    Want to take part?   If you’d like to join the YouCan Advisory Group, speak with your YouCan worker or contact us: youcan@matthewproject.org   We’d love to hear from you!