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

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

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.

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

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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!