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Our priority is the wellbeing, health and safety of our students and community. Õ¬ÄÐÊÓƵ is moving to a harm reduction approach on a range ofÌýaddictive behaviours such asÌýdrug-taking, alcohol, gambling and pornography.

Public health evidence shows that an approach focused on , support and improving education and awareness can associated with drug use.ÌýÌý

We do not condone nor normalise the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs. But we know that despite this, some students will still use drugs during their time at university and that this is a complex health and social issue.ÌýÌý

Evidence shows that a zero-tolerance approach can prevent students in need from reaching out as they fear being punished, rather than helped according to their individual circumstances. In its ’ report, Universities UK found only 20% of those students who have used drugs in the last 12 months have ever asked for support from their institution.

Of those students who did seek support, 46% reported that their provider’s policy on drugs was a barrier to doing so, with 37% reporting that they feared the consequences of coming forward. We want to ensure that students have the resources, knowledge and support needed to be informed and reduce harm so that outcomes are likely to be better according to evidence.Ìý

This is why our focus for the coming academic year and beyond will be on taking a student-led to drug use.ÌýÌý

Working closely in partnership with specialist NHS services, clinical experts and trained student representatives, our focus is ensuring students can get help and support in a trusted, confidential way and without facing discrimination. Ìý

We will raise awareness of the risks and harms of drug use including through drug awareness events, inviting external partners such as charities and harm reduction services to give talks, creating a student online module to educate on addictive behaviours and making drug checking kits available anonymously on campus. Ìý

Staff, particularly in student-facing roles, will be given comprehensive training on harm reduction strategies.ÌýÌý

We are working in partnership with the NHS Changing Unwanted Behaviours (CUBE) clinic –Ìýa specialist NHS mental health service offering assessment and treatment for students experiencing problems related to their use of alcohol, drugs, and other addictive behaviours.Ìý

While we take a harm reduction approach, we do not and will not condone any antisocial or criminal behaviour. Any criminal misconduct, such as the supply of drugs, will continue to be addressed robustly through our existing disciplinary procedures and may lead to referral to the police and local authorities.Ìý