See frequently asked questions about our service and what we do. Frequently Asked Questions How do I get support for someone I know/myself? Anyone can get in touch with us to make a referral. This could be a parent, carer or professional or you. If you want to refer yourself or someone you know, you can do this by going to our contact us page to chat with a member of the team in the most accessible way for you. What happens when I get referred? We will contact you, or the person referring you and arrange to come and meet, in a place you feel comfortable. What happens if I change my mind? Just let us, or the person who referred you know. Our support is totally voluntary. We understand that people change their minds. You are always welcome to come back. Will you tell other people what I have said? We offer a confidential service. Confidentiality means us not telling anyone else about the things you tell us, we will talk to you about who you are comfortable with us talking to. Sometimes your parents, carers or teachers may be aware that you have been referred to us, particularly if you chose to see us at your school or home, this does not mean we will tell them everything that you tell us, we will discuss this with you and agree what information YOU feel comfortable sharing. If there’s a risk of very serious harm to you, or someone else, we may need to share some of what you have told us, we will try and talk to you and let you know what might happen next. Will you tell me to stop using drugs/alcohol? No we understand this is your choice and people use substances for a variety of reasons. We are not here to judge you, or tell you what to do, we will support you to decide what you want from the support. Do you have to tell my parents that I am working with you? If you are over 13 and we feel you understand what it means to get support from us, we do not need to tell your parents that we are supporting you. If you are under 13, we do need to get consent from your parent or carer to be able to offer you support. This doesn’t mean we will tell them what we talk about with you. Will I get into trouble? We will not share the information you tell us unless we are extremely worried for your safety, our aim would be to keep you safe not for you to get into trouble. How long can you work with people? For the YouCan and Unity service. Our support is not time limited we can continue to support you for as long as you feel you need the support. We can see you weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on what works best for you. For On Track, there are sometimes time limits depending on the service. Contact On Track's for more details. Is there a waiting list? We do have at times a waiting list but we will be in contact within 2 weeks and will always keep you updated of when a meeting will be booked. Can I see you in school? Yes we can come and meet you in a place you feel comfortable this could be at home, school, college, wherever you feel comfortable. Can I talk to you about other stuff? Yes we understand that drug or alcohol issues can be one of the issues you are facing, we will complete an assessment with you that will look at what other support may be useful, this could include mental and physical health, housing, education and relationship advice. Will there be a change in worker? We try not to change your worker, we know it can be difficult when one of our workers leave, if we have to change you to a new worker, we will ask you what kind of person you would feel most comfortable with and try and match you with one of our workers. Can I bring someone with me? Yes we understand it can be a big step meeting someone new. My parents/carers don't drive, how do I get to you? We come to you! We can meet you in a location you feel comfortable such as school and for our holiday activities we can arrange transport so you can attend.

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

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 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

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 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 On Track Highlights - April & May 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 a At Home Activities 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 b 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

On Track is a free service supporting young people in Norfolk to move closer to or get into education, training, employment, or volunteering, while offering guidance and practical help. Welcome to On Track! A free service that supports 13-24-year-olds to move closer to or get into education, training, employment, or volunteering. On this page, you can find out about our projects young people can participate in. SafeSPACE SafeSPACE is for young people aged 13 - 18 (up to 24 depending on circumstances) who are not in education, training or work - or may be at risk of this. We run regular, fun activities in small groups (no more than 10 people), all based in Norwich. Young people from across Norfolk are welcome, as long as you can get to the sessions. It’s a chance to meet new people, try new things, build confidence, and feel more positive about your future. Supported by Anguish's Educational Foundation and Norfolk Community Foundation through the Healthy Young Minds and Building Skills for Better Futures Funds. King's Lynn and West Norfolk Coaching This project is for young people aged 16 - 24 living in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. We offer one-to-one support out in the community, as well as group activities focused on skills and getting ready for work or training. We’re here to help you figure out your next steps, build confidence, and move closer to employment, education or training. Supported by Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Hornsea 3 Community Fund and Norfolk Community Foundation through the West Norfolk Employability Fund. Central Gt Yarmouth Engagement Coaching This project supports young people aged 14 - 19 living in Central Great Yarmouth who are not in education, employment or training - or may be at risk of this. We offer one-to-one support in school, college, or out in the community, alongside group activities that build confidence, motivation, and future goals. It’s all about helping you feel more positive, connected, and ready for what’s next. We are a delivery partner for NRThirty to ensure that young people in Central Great Yarmouth have access to the best possible support and opportunities. What We've Been Up To See the latest activities, trips and opportunities young people in On Track have been getting involved in. 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 Matthew Project On Track Highlights - April & May 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 a Matthew Project March Highlights from the On Track Team 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 ac Matthew Project Get Support To access support, click the button below to fill out our referral form. A social worker, teacher, or youth worker can complete it for you, or contact us for help. Click Here Contact Us Still unsure? Would you like to talk to someone before deciding if you want to receive support? You can chat with us via email or over the phone - 01603 723845 Email us With thanks to... Norwich Freemen’s Charity for funding our work at Sewell Park Academy. Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Great Yarmouth and YAB North Norfolk for funding the Exam Stress Toolkit

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

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

Support for those that are worried their own drug/alcohol use is having a significant impact on them or others Welcome to Unity! Unity is a free, confidential service in Norfolk for young people under 19 who feel like their own drug or alcohol use is affecting them or people around them. You might be feeling like you need to use drugs or alcohol to cope, can’t control how much or when you use, hide your use from family or friends, or notice that your mood, sleep, school, friendships, or daily life are being affected, and if this sounds like you, Unity is here to help. Nervous about speaking with us? We get it - talking about drugs or alcohol can feel daunting. We’re here to help, not get you in trouble. What you tell us stays private, unless we believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or a serious crime is involved. You can find out more about confidentiality here . Substances Information If you’d like to learn more about substances, click the buttons below. Ketamine Cannabis MDMA Alcohol Cocaine Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here What Unity Offers Here's how we can support you: Confidential one-to-one support We’ll chat about how you’re feeling and we can meet in person at school, college, or somewhere in the community you feel comfortable, or talk by phone, text, or email. Information about substances Learn how drugs and alcohol affect your brain and body. While the only way to completely avoid risks is not to use substances, we can show you ways to reduce harm. Health support You can get advice about sexual health, including STI testing, blood-borne virus checks, and Hepatitis B vaccinations. Connecting you to other help If you need extra support, like help with housing, mental health, or other challenges, we can point you to the right people or services. Get support To access support, click the button below to fill out our referral form. A social worker, teacher, or youth worker can complete it for you, or contact us for help. Click Here Contact us Still unsure? Would you like to talk to someone before deciding if you want to receive support? You can chat with us through our anonymous Live Chat, via email, or over the phone. Click Here

We can be contacted Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The only exclusion to this is our live chat which runs Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 7pm. Our Number: 0800 970 4866 Our Email: Unity@matthewproject.org Contact Us Say Hello Please complete this form with as much information as you feel comfortable sharing. This helps us understand your enquiry and ensures it reaches the right member of our team. Phone YouCan - 0800 970 4866 Unity - 0800 970 4866 On Track - 01603 723845 Email youcan@matthewproject.org unity@matthewproject.org contact@ontracknorfolk.org Name * Phone Email* Write a message Submit Visit Us We know it can be daunting going to a new place for the first time and meeting one of our team. This is why we cover all of norfolk and can travel to meet you in a location you feel comfortable in. While we welcome people to visit our centre, we ask that you contact us ahead of time so we can make sure there is a member of our team available to meet you. Address 70 - 80 Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 3AQ Opening Hours Mon - Thu Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 9:00 am – 4:30 pm This is our reception!

Information to help parents and careres who have a child struggling with drugs/alcohol or is affected by family use. Support for Parents and Carers Worried about your child? You're not alone. At The Matthew Project, we understand that seeing your child struggle - whether with their own substance use , the impact of a family member’s substance use , or challenges with education and employment - can be stressful and confusing. Our Young People’s Services are here to support both your child and your family, helping you navigate these challenges with care, respect, and confidentiality. Support for Adults As a parent, support is available to help you. Here are two ways we can provide assistance: Monthly Parents' Group The Matthew Project runs a parents' group 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. Sign-Up Form Next Steps: Adults in Recovery If you are an adult in recovery from substance use yourself, our Next Steps service offers a welcoming and supportive community space. Looking after yourself is an important part of supporting your child. About Next Steps Our Young People's Services We have three young people services - YouCan, Unity and OnTrack YouCan Affected by a Family Member's Substance Use When a family member uses drugs or alcohol, it can affect children and young people, leaving them worried, confused, or alone. YouCan offers a safe, confidential space for young people to explore their feelings. About YouCan Worried About Their Own Substance Use If your child is worried about their own drug or alcohol use. The service offers confidential, non-judgemental support to understand choices, reduce harm, and make positive changes. About Unity Unity Not in Education, Training or Employment If your child is struggling with school, college, or work, On Track can help. The team supports them to build confidence, life skills, and work towards education, training, or employment goals. About OnTrack OnTrack 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 Referral As a parent or carer, you can refer your child to our services (with their consent). Referral Forms Contact us If you’re unsure which service is right for your child, we can talk this through with you. Contact Us “When shut out of your son’s life, and all doors seemed closed, The Matthew Project opened theirs. A big thank you. As a parent I was desperate, how must my son feel?” Parent/Carer

Contains information on our website accessibility. Accessibility We want all young people to feel welcome and supported when using our services. Whether you're meeting us in person or checking out our website, we’ve tried to make things as easy to access as possible. Everyone’s needs are different, so if there’s anything we can do to support you, just let us know. We’re here to help make your experience a positive one. Guide We’ve put together an accessibility guide to help you feel more comfortable before visiting us at our Next Steps centre, checking out our website, or reading our resources. This guide is here to ease any worries you might have and give you a clear idea of what to expect. Click here to view it. How We Make Things Easier For You: Non-Judgemental We know that you may be worried about accessing support around drugs and alcohol as you are worried about the stigma. We actively work hard to reduce any stigma and we are here to support you. Young Person Focused We design our service with the needs and preferences of young people. We actively seek your feedback and make amendments to the service from these. Safe Spaces We meet you in a space you feel comfortable and where you are free from discrimination. We also meet you at a time which is convenient for you. Participation This service is voluntary, which means that it’s your choice if you want to work with us. We also encourage you to voice your ideas and any concerns through our young people advisory groups, online surveys and 1-2-1 with your worker. Flourish Flourish is all about helping young people in Norfolk live their best lives. It’s built around what matters most to you like feeling safe, being understood, having good friends, learning new things, and getting the chance to grow into who you want to be. It’s a promise from the people who support you to listen, include you in decisions, and help you thrive in every part of your life. The Matthew Project pledges to continue helping children and young people flourish. For our pledge this year we will create and develop opportunities for young people in our service to have a have their voices heard by our Board of Trustees. This will enable young people to influence and help shape what we do through co-design and production. This gives young people a voice, enabling them to develop their knowledge and skills which will benefit them throughout their lives. In 2023 , we received the best news that we won the Safe and Secure Flourish Award. This award was for outstanding contribution towards keeping children and young people safe from harm. In 2024 , our senior practitioner in the Unity team, Zee was nominated for a Flourish Award and has been judged as Highly Commended in the Healthy Award Category. This is for outstanding contribution towards helping children and young people understand decisions that impact their health and be empowered to lead their happiest and healthiest lives.

A guide for young people using YouCan and Unity services to understand what personal information we collect, how we use it, and when it may be shared. Information Collecting and Sharing This information on this page is about the information we collect and who has access to your data. We ask you for information so that you can recieve proper care and threatment We keep your information, together with details of your care, because it may be needed if we see you again. What NDTMS is and does: NDTMS is the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS). It is used by PHE to collect information about drug and alcohol treatment in England. If you consent, your treatment service will share some of your treatment information with NDTMS.