See frequently asked questions about our service and what we do. Frequently Asked Questions Frequently asked questions 01 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. 02 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. 03 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. 04 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. 05 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. 06 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. 07 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. 08 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. 09 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. 10 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. 11 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. 12 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. 13 Can I bring someone with me? Yes we understand it can be a big step meeting someone new. 14 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. 15 What if I don’t know what to say? That’s completely okay. You don’t need to prepare anything before contacting us. Just tell us what’s been happening and what you’re worried about, and we can take it from there.

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 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. Here are two ways we can help: Support for you We can provide support for parents whose child is struggling with drug or alcohol use. You can talk to a practitioner about what’s happening for you and your family, or meet other parents and carers who understand some of what you’re going through. Find out more Support for your child We can support your child if they’re worried about their own substance use, affected by a family member’s substance use, or facing challenges with education and employment. You can refer your child to our services with their consent. Find out more 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 “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.

Contains information on our safety, privacy and safeguarding policies along with how we handle confidentiality. You Privacy & Confidentiality Is it safe to talk to us? Yes. We know it can feel scary to talk about personal things like drugs, alcohol, family problems or what's going on in your life. We're here to listen and not judge. What you tell us stays private (confidential). This means we won't tell other people what you've said unless we believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or a serious crime has happened or is likely to happen. Your worker will explain this when you first meet with them, and you're always welcome to ask questions. Your privacy If you receive support from us, we'll keep some information about you so we can provide the best support possible. We only collect information we need, use it fairly and securely, and only for the reasons we collected it. If you'd like to know more, you can read our Privacy Policy . What information do we keep? Your confidential record may include: Information you've shared with us. Notes from your appointments. Information sent to us by professionals involved in supporting you, such as your school or social worker. Details of the support we've provided. Our website is provided by WIX who process all the data collected from people who visit our website, including our Contact us forms - https://support.wix.com/en/article/wixs-privacy-policy Why do we keep this information? Keeping a record helps us: Make sure you receive the right support. Help different members of our team work together if needed. Keep accurate records of the support we've provided. Improve our services and meet legal requirements. With your permission, we may also use anonymous information (which doesn't identify you) for reports and statistics that help improve our services and show our funders the difference we're making. When might we share information? We only share information in exceptional situations, such as if: Someone is being abused or seriously harmed. We believe your life or someone else's life is at serious risk. A serious crime has happened or is likely to happen. Wherever possible, we'll talk to you before we share information. Sometimes, to keep someone safe, this may not be possible. Who can see my information? Only Matthew Project staff who need to support you can access your information. We won't share your personal information with anyone else unless: You give us permission. The law says we have to. We believe someone is at serious risk of harm. How do you keep my information safe? We take your privacy seriously. Your information is stored securely on password-protected systems with additional security measures. If we use paper forms or notes, they're securely scanned into our system and then safely destroyed. We only keep your information for as long as we need to, in line with UK data protection law. Can I see the information you have about me? Yes. You have the right to ask for a copy of the personal information we hold about you. If you'd like to see your information, just let a member of our team know. You can ask: Face-to-face By phone By email By letter We'll respond as soon as possible, and no later than one month. Essential Cookies Like most websites, we may use ‘cookies’ to help us make our site, and the way you use it, better. Cookies are small text files that sites transfer to your device (computer, phone or tablet) and make interacting with a website faster and easier. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

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. NEET Voice Are you aged 13-24 and not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET? Over the next three years, we'll be working with young people across Norfolk to make sure their voices are heard by the people making important decisions. We'll help remove barriers and support young people to lead social action projects on the issues that matter most to them. Participants will also have the opportunity to work towards recognised accreditations. Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund through the #iwill Fund, helping young people lead positive social action across England. 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 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 Matthew Project 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 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

Learn about cocaine, its effects on health and the brain, risks, and harm reduction tips. Created with input from young people in Norfolk, this page offers clear, honest information to help you stay informed. What you should know about Cocaine This page talks through the effects of cocaine, risks and harm reduction. Young people helped create this page, working alongside the Unity service . Therefore, the stories featured relate specifically to Norfolk. ⚠️ Contaminated Cocaine ⚠️ Some Cocaine in Norfolk has been found to contain dangerous synthetic substances called Nitazenes. Nitazenes have been linked to overdoses and even deaths. Risks of using Cocaine Hover over the photos below, to see the risks of using Cocaine. Health Increased heart rate High blood pressure Anxiety Depression Paranoia Hallucinations Seizures Agitation Feeling Disconnected or Psychotic Symptoms Low Mood or Depression Panic Attacks Memory Problems Overdose Tolerance can build quickly, so users would need to use more to get the same effects. This increases the risk of overdose. Heart Attack Stroke Damage to the Nasal Passage including nose bleeds, scabs in the nostrils, whistling sound from nose, pain, persistent runny nose and loss of smell. Nasal Passage Cocaine and the Brain The Limbic System Cocaine affects a part of the brain called the limbic system. This area controls things like hunger, sleep, and emotions, and it's also where we feel pleasure and rewards. When someone uses cocaine, it causes a big rush of a brain chemical called dopamine , which makes them feel very good for a short time . Cocaine stops the brain from reusing dopamine, so the good feeling lasts longer. But after the drug wears off, the brain can run low on dopamine, which can lead to feeling sad, tired, or unmotivated. The Limbic System Nucleus Accumbens Drawing by Sam Pearson. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is the part of your brain that controls pleasure and motivation - basically, how much you want something. When someone uses cocaine, it causes a surge in dopamine, creating a strong feeling of pleasure and reward . Cocaine changes the brain cells in the NAc, making them more sensitive to the drug. These changes make the person feel a stronger urge to use. The brain forms powerful memories of the good feelings connected to cocaine, which trigger cravings . This makes it harder to stop using the drug, even when the person knows it's harmful . Unlike many other pleasurable experiences, the brain’s emotional attachment to cocaine lasts longer, making it more difficult to stop using even after a long gap. Chronic cocaine use can also affect other parts of the brain, not just the areas linked to pleasure. These changes can make it harder for someone to think clearly or reflect on their own behaviour. This means people may not realise how serious their cocaine use has become, or they may struggle to see the harm it's causing in their life. It may reduce how pleasurable everything else feels, like eating nice food. Cocaine can change behaviour and decision-making, and over time, it may reduce a person's ability to recognise the negative consequences of their drug use. In some cases, these brain changes can become long-lasting or even permanent , making recovery more challenging than with some other drugs. Stay Safe Tips For You and Your Mates If you use Cocaine, it’s important to know there are always risks. The only way to completely avoid these risks is to not use Cocaine, But if you do decide to use it, keep these tips in mind: . Don’t mix with other drugs - Mixing cocaine with other substances can increase the risk of overdose or unpredictable reaction. Mixing alcohol and cocaine creates another substance in the body called Cocaethylene. This means it can cause much greater strain on the heart, liver and cardiovascular system. If snorting cocaine, ensure you alternate nostrils. After use, use sterile or bottled water or a saline spray, to flush any residue from your nostrils, this will prevent any left-over substance sitting in your nostrils and causing any damage. Use a clean personal sniffing straw, never share straws, notes or keys as these can lead to the spread of blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C. We can provide Hep B inoculations – 3 vaccinations. Over 90% effective after the full series. The vaccinations contain non-infectious parts of the virus so it trains the immune system to recognize and fight off hep B if you’re exposed. Crush substances finely, larger bits can damage the delicate lining of the nostril causing cuts that can lead to infection or nose bleeds. Before use, use a saline spray to hydrate nasal lining and reduce irritation. What Young People in Our Service Have to Say Hear from young people about the impact of cocaine use on their lives. Cocaine Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied I first started using cocaine at age 17 as to try it, but it never grew on me much. They say “cocaine gives you a boost” which is what made me try it. I’d thought it would give me a nice energetic feeling, hence why I tried it. Cocaine made me in a terrible mood after using, as I felt really tired and hardly spoke to anyone around me My nose is atrocious, it will be bleeding and it really hurts, but when you sniff it makes it go number so it stops the pain. You’re kind of doing it to get rid of the pain, but in the long run it causes more pain. 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

Discover the facts about MDMA (Ecstasy), including its effects, risks, and harm reduction advice. This resource provides clear, youth-focused information to help you make informed choices. What you should know about MDMA This page talks through the effects of MDMA, risks and harm reduction. Young people helped create this page, working alongside the Unity service. Therefore, the stories featured relate specifically to Norfolk. ⚠️ Contaminated MDMA ⚠️ Some MDMA in Norfolk has been found to contain other potentially harmful substances, including synthetic drugs called Nitazenes. Nitazenes have been linked to overdoses and even deaths. Risks of using MDMA Hover over the photos below, to see the risks of using MDMA. Physical Health Increased heart rate and blood pressure Dehydration & overheating Nausea, vommiting, & jaw clenching B lurred vision Agitation Feeling Disconnected or Psychotic Symptoms Low Mood or Depression Panic Attacks Memory Problems Mental Health Anxiety, panic, or paranoia Depression or low mood Confusion or memory problems Sleep disturbances Snorting MDMA can cause damage to the nose and sinuses. Bombing MDMA can lead to an increased risk of overdosing Substance-Related Effects MDMA and the Brain MDMA is a type of amphetamine that also has hallucinogenic effects. It changes how your brain works by increasing certain chemicals (Neurotransmitters). MDMA mainly affects four neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin. Serotonin Serotonin helps regulate mood and body temperature. Dopamine can make you feel excited, focused, and motivated. Norepinephrine increases energy and alertness. Oxytocin , the “love hormone,” helps you feel connected to others. Drawings by Sam Pearson. Serotonin plays an important role in a lot of what our bodies and brains do, it helps us regulate our mood and emotions, often helping us feel calm, relaxed and happy. However, it also plays an important role in many other functions like our sleep, nervous system communication and attention. For this reason, MDMA use can come with a lot of complicated side effects . Users have reported panic attacks, anxiety, low mood and confused episodes, after using MDMA. These side effects can become more significant if you already have mental health problems or use more frequently. If you use MDMA regularly or for a long time, it can change the way your brain is able to use Serotonin , making it harder to feel good naturally. That’s why overuse of MDMA can lead to long-term mood problems, anxiety, or depression. Long term use may also affect memory and your ability to think, remember stuff and solve problems. Daily life can become much harder to manage. Serotonin Syndrome Serotonin Syndrome is caused by too much serotonin being released in the brain at once. This can cause unpleasant problems like diarrhea, twitching, insomnia, shivering, sweats, overheating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and more. In severe cases this can lead to tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and death. Some mental health medications such as SSRI anti-depressants can effect how Serotonin is released; This generally means there is less effect from the MDMA. Taking more may not make any difference, but it will place you at higher risk of overdose . Taking MDMA when on an anti-depressant like this can be a dangerous combination as both increase the brain’s release and use of serotonin. This can result in “Serotonin Syndrome ”. Blood Borne Virus A blood-borne virus is a virus (such as Hepatitis or HIV) that spreads from one person to another through blood. This can happen through sharing snorting equipment like straws and tubes. As a service, we can offer young people the Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccination to help protect you from the virus. Stay Safe Tips For You and Your Mates If you decide to use MDMA, it’s important to know there are always risks . The only way to completely avoid these risks is to not use MDMA. But if you do decide to use it, keep these tips in mind: Start with a small amount (1/4 or 1/2 of pill), wait 60 minutes before taking more. Every pill/powder is different and how it effects you may be very different to how it effects others you are with. Avoid mixing MDMA with alcohol or other drugs, reactions are highly unpredictable and can cause overdoses or death. Sipping a pint of water over an hour can help to avoid dehydration. Having regular breaks from dancing to avoid overheating. If someone is overheating, take them to a cooler and calmer place, removing outer clothing to cool them down. When bombing (powder wrapped in thin paper, swallowed), MDMA can take longer to kick in . Wait 2 hours before deciding to take more. Snorting - grind into a fine powder , use clean personal snorting tools and avoid using bank notes , limit how often you’re snorting, alternate nostrils and rinse your nose after use with sterile or bottled water, this helps avoid powder sitting in the nose and causing damage to the nasal passage. Having a sober trusted friend to ‘trip sit’ if something goes wrong, they can call help if needed. Do call an ambulance if needed, you will not get in trouble with police and it may save a life. We offer Hep B inoculations - 3 vaccinations. Over 90% effective after the full series. The vaccinations contain non-infectious parts of the virus so it trains the immune system to recognize and fight off hep B if you’re exposed. Use your own clean equipment i.e. straws, snorting tubes What Young People in Our Service Have to Say Hear from young people in our service about the impact of MDMA use on their life. MDMA Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied After my 17th birthday I started using MDMA just to try it, but then it became more of a frequent use for 5 months, then it slowed down. When people talked about their MDMA experiences it made me wonder how I would feel on them, as they were described as “cool,” and I then got hooked on them. MDMA now makes me live every day questioning if things are happening. It ruins my work days as I cannot focus, and my relationships with people, as I feel they never understand me. MDMA also increased as my tolerance built up. The one event that made me realise I needed support is when I realised my day-to-day life was unhinged and my only hobby was doing substances. I felt odd living my life, when I realised I can’t remember much of my past and I questioned if things around me were real. I noticed physical changes to my body, such as my face looking horrible, feeling sick all the time, and my heart having problems. The biggest challenge I faced to make a change was to speak up and ask for help. I never asked for help because I felt I was okay and nothing was going to happen to me, but then I felt super uncomfortable with my life and realised my mental health was ruined. The Matthew Project helped me out by realising once you call out for help it will actually help you. Meeting someone new and talking about personal issues does actually take some weight off the shoulders. It’s also taught me new things about the things I do and has taught me better safety for myself. Videos Prefer watching instead of reading? Check out these videos about MDMA to see how it affects people and get the facts you need. MDMA - Respect Your Brain Play Video Did you know: MDMA Play Video How Not To Die From Ecstasy Play Video MDMA Information Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close 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

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.

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!

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

Support for those worried about a family member or relative using drugs/alcohol Welcome to YouCan! YouCan is a free and confidential service for children and young people under 19 in Norfolk who are affected by a family member’s drug or alcohol use. You might feel worried or scared about their safety, feel like you have to take care of them or hide things, change your own behaviour to avoid conflict, and feel alone about what’s happening at home. If someone you live with is drinking alcohol or using drugs and it’s affecting how you feel, think, or live day to day, YouCan is here to help you. Nervous about speaking with us? Nervous about speaking with us? We will only share what you tell us if you give us your consent, if we believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or if a serious crime has been or may be committed. You can find out more about confidentiality here . What YouCan Offers Here's how we can support you: One-to-one support that’s personal to you We’ll take time to listen and understand what’s going on for you, working together to build confidence and help you cope with difficult feelings and challenges. Support that fits you We can meet in person, for example at school or in the community, somewhere you feel comfortable. We can also chat by phone, text, or email. Support to explain things to others If you want help talking to your family, carers, school, or other professionals, we can support you with that too. Linking you to other services If you need extra support, like help with housing, mental health, or other challenges, we can point you to the right people or services. Activities Alongside one-to-one support, you can take part in activities that help build confidence, connect with other young people who have similar experiences, and develop new skills. These activities take place during the school holidays. If you’re 13 or older , you can choose to become a peer mentor . Peer mentors help support activities and other young people. It’s a rewarding experience that helps you grow personally, connect with others, and make a positive difference. If you’re 11 or older , you can also join our YouCan Advisory Group . This is a space where young people share their views and help shape how the YouCan service works. You’ll work alongside staff to help make decisions and improvements. 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

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