Drugs and Alcohol: Support and Guidance

Harm Reduction Statement

Joint Pledge: Harm Reduction Approach to Drug and Alcohol Use at Aberystwyth University

Collaboratively, Aberystwyth University Student Services, the Student’s Union, and Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) are committed to prioritising the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students through a comprehensive and progressive harm reduction approach to drug and alcohol use. Supported by our regular monthly Harm Reduction Steering Group led by our dedicated Harm Reduction Lead, we aim to:

Prioritise student and community welfare through innovative harm reduction strategies.
Reduce health, social, and legal impacts of substance use.
Ensure easy and proactive access to support and resources.
Foster an open-minded environment that empowers students with knowledge and encourages open dialogue.

Our Services and Approach:

We offer a range of services that reflect our collaborative effort, including campus clinics and a variety of supportive resources tailored to our community. Our commitment to harm reduction includes the following services for students and staff at Aberystwyth University:

Weekly on-campus drop-in service
Friends and family support
Brief interventions
Skills development
Relapse prevention

We also ensure that our community can easily access the following services throughout the week, nearby in the DDAS & Choices hub:

Group work
Diversionary activities
Psychosocial interventions
Harm reduction services
Aftercare

DDAS & Choices provide bespoke 1:1 treatment and frontline assessments focused on individual needs and goals, building personal resilience and routes to recovery. Through partnerships with NHS Community Drug and Alcohol Teams, our community has access to comprehensive support, including medical prescriptions and social wellbeing assessments where appropriate.

Together, we are aiming to create a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment where students feel supported and valued. Our unique harm reduction approach reflects Aberystwyth University Core Values:

Transformational
Creative & Innovative
Inclusive
Ambitious
Collaborative

Ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Aberystwyth University neither condones nor condemns the use of drugs including alcohol; instead we encourage a harm reduction approach that focusses on a person’s wellbeing, providing information to help you keep safe and feel supported.

We would like to provide all students with the knowledge they need to make positive life choices, so on this page you can find information on how to get support for yourself or someone else, as well as information to improve your safety if you do use drugs including alcohol during your time at university.

Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS):

The University is partnered with the locally run Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS).

You can self-refer to the service using the DDAS Referral Form: DDAS Referral Form (DOCX)

DDAS provides confidential advice and support to individuals who have drug and/or alcohol problems themselves or who are concerned about someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use. You can speak to a member of their team for information and advice or book an appointment if you want support.

DDAS runs a confidential on-campus clinic. They are based in the Student Welcome Centre on the main campus, where they have their own dedicated office.

On-Campus Clinic Information:

Tuesday, 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Student Welcome Centre, 2^nd floor.

Support can also be accessed from DDAS in their town centre office.

DDAS Aberystwyth Office Information:

9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am - 4.30pm Friday

Number 25 North Parade, Aberystwyth, SY23 2JN

03303 639997

confidential@d-das.co.uk

For more information you can visit the DDAS website.

How to Access the Student Welcome Centre Building

How to Access the Student Welcome Centre Building:

If you don’t want anyone to know you are accessing the service, you can come in via the back door to the Student Welcome Centre, the bridge to the 2nd floor, or the lift. There will be signposting inside the building to direct you to the DDAS office on the 2nd floor.

Video of how to find the Student Welcome Centre

Resources:

The Wellbeing Team

Student Services’ Wellbeing Team are here to help any student with any wellbeing issue.

Referring yourself:

You can self-refer to speak to someone from the Wellbeing Service using the online Wellbeing Registration form.

Referring a student you have concerns about:

If you have concerns about a student’s wellbeing, tell the team about your concerns using the Report and Support form.

Undeb Myfyrwyr Aberystwyth Students’ Union

Aber SU provides helpful information about drugs and alcohol on their website: Undeb Myfyrwyr Aberystwyth Student’s Union Alcohol and Drugs Webpage

The SU also has a team of student volunteers who you may see in red high-vis during the Welcome and Freshers weeks, and other times in the year. These A-Team volunteers can help you if you need any support or advice, not just with drugs or alcohol.

Barod

Barod provides free support for individuals affected by alcohol and drugs (plus their friends and family) in South and West Wales.

Visit the barod website for information and links to:

Recovery orientated care
Harm reduction information, tests, and supplies

drugs+me

Visit drugsand.me for information about drug and alcohol:

safe and unsafe interactions with other drugs
dosages and effects
risks and harm reduction precautions
legalities

WEDINOS

When taking drugs it can be hard to know exactly what you are taking. WEDINOS is an anonymous drug testing service where you can send a sample of a drug and have it identified. This can give you accurate information on the substance to help stay safe.

Visit the WEDINOS website where you can follow the steps to send a sample.

Please note: you should never send a substance you know to be illegal through the postal system.