Drugs awareness

An excellent resource for all students is the Drugscope website where you can search online for the latest, most up to date information on drugs and their effects.

Various studies suggest that 50% of young people have tried drugs by the time they are 16. No class or gender differences have been found.

The university recognises that it is a microcosm of society as a whole and as such acknowledges the use and influences of both legal and illegal drugs within our community and the community at large.

The university has a policy on possession and use of illegal drugs by students which supports an educative and disciplinary framework through Harm Minimisation.

The university does NOT CONDONE or ENCOURAGE the possession or use of illegal drugs and will take disciplinary or legal action where appropriate.

Harm minimisation does not condone drug taking but acknowledges that drug taking occurs. Harm minimisation strategies emphasise encouragement to use support networks and provide access to reliable information, before taking any unnecessary risks. Factual information should be provided about the effects of using various substances so that students can be in a position to make informed choices about their lifestyles and the associated risks. Factual information also provides ammunition for students if subjected to peer pressure.

Therefore a harm minimisation approach provides an awareness of when and where to seek help early.

External Local Resources

Cranstoun Libra Services (offers confidential advice information and counselling)
01865 723355

Oxfordshire Mental Health Matters (offers information on a comprehensive range of mental health issues)
01865 728981

Internal Resources

Brookes Medical Centre (9am-5pm. Mon-Fri)
01865 483193

St. Bartholomew's Medical Centre
Dr. Burke and partners and Mental Health Team
01865 242334

Wheatley Campus
Drs. @ Morland House, London Rd. Wheatley
01865 872448

Harcourt Hill Campus
Dr. Williamson, West Oxford and Jericho Health Centre, Binsey Lane 01865 429993
or Practice Nurse on campus 01865 252434

National Resources

Lifeline Project Ltd (provides confidential advice, information and publications) 0161 839 2054

Talk to Frank - drugs are illegal. Talking about them isn't 0800 77 66 00

Narcotics Anonymous (10am-10pm) 020 7730 0009

Drinkline (national) - Tel: 0800 917 8282

Alcoholics Anonymous
Tel: (01865) 242373.

Council for Information on Tranquillisers, Antidressants and Painkillers Addiction Helpline 0151 949 0102

Adfam (advice and support for family and friends of drug users) 020 7928 8900

Al-Anon/Alateen 24 hour help line (advice and support for family and friends of alcohol abusers) 020 7403 0888

Release (a national drug agency providing advice on drug and associated legal issues) 020 7729 9904

Drugscope the UK's leading independent centre of expertise on drugs

dancesafe promoting health and safety within the rave and nightclub scene

Local Health Services

St. Bartholomew's Medical Centre
Dr. Burke and partners and Mental Health Team
01865 242334

Brookes Medical Centre (same Drs as above)
01865 483193

Wheatley Campus
Drs. @ Morland House, London Rd, Wheatley
01865 872448

Harcourt Hill Campus
Dr. Williamson, West Oxford and Jericho Health Centre, Binsey Lane
01865 429993
or Practice Nurse on campus 01865 252434

Brookes Student Services Confidential Counselling 01865 484650

Emergency Services
Paramedics 999/911
Accident and Emergency Department. John Radcliffe Hospital: 01865 741166

NHS counselling services (accessed through GP referral)

Arrest Referral Partnership (SMART) (referrals at point of arrest of all arrestees with drug offences or drug related crime to scheme). A multi agency partnership operating in parallel to normal charge or due process
Contact Name: Phil Skillen 01865 378999

Community Police: 01865 484840