Student drug use in higher education

Room: Tavistock

Room: Woburn Hall

• Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University

• John de Pury, Assistant Director, Policy, Universities UK 
• Professor Carmel Clancy, Academic Dean of Faculty of Health Social Care & Education, Middlesex University
• Hanna Head, PhD student, University of Birmingham and Chair, Student Advisory Panel, Student drug use taskforce, Universities UK 
• Professor Harry Sumnall, Professor in Substance Use at the Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University - invited

This session will introduce findings from a programme of research conducted to improve the sector’s understanding of student drug use. The research included a weighted student survey, student focus groups and roundtables, plus a provider survey for UK universities. The development of the research was done by a Research Advisory Panel (RAP) in support of the UK-wide taskforce on student drug use, and the RAP was advised by a Student Advisory Panel (SAP) who also contributed to the development of the research.

The framework developed adopts a harm-reduction approach to drugs and is split into three strands: tackling support, reducing demand and improving support. Each of these panel discussions are led by the chairs of the policy development group and will introduce their respective key messages including challenges, partnerships and solutions.

• Professor Peter Francis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Professor of Criminology, Birmingham City University, Co-chair, Tackling Supply policy framework group 
• Charlotte Brookes, Current student, Co-chair, Tackling Supply policy framework group, Universities UK 
• Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director, Unite  

Room: Tavistock

• Professor Graham Towl, Professor of Psychology, Durham University, Co-chair, Reducing Demand policy framework group, Universities UK 
• Maria Measham, Current student, Co-chair, Reducing Demand policy framework group, Universities UK 
• Dr Adam Winstock, Honorary Clinical Professor, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London 
• Arda Ozkubukcu, Co-founder and Director, NeuroSight

Universities recognise that students will use drugs while enrolled at their institution. For many, this has no or little consequence. For others, it can lead to harms including to mental and physical health, academic performance and progress, and employability. This session will discuss embedding trust between the university and it’s students, communication about their approach to harm reduction, drug information, testing and awareness.

• Professor Sarah Purdy, Professor in Primary Health Care, University of Bristol 
• Tracy Lumb, Senior Project Manager, Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS UK) 
• Lauren Stewart, Service Manager, Change Grow Live

Universities have a central role to play in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of students. Drug use can lead to some students struggling with their academic work, mental health, or addiction and recovery which may cause some students to seek support from their university. This session will provide recommendations for making students feel empowered to ask for help, inside university and out. Plus, it is important to eliminate stigma for those that do who seek support.

Room: Tavistock

• Fiona Measham, Founder, The Loop

This breakout session led by The Loop will introduce their work and expertise in innovative health interventions and drug testing. The Loop’s mission and vision include a commitment to developing a nationwide network of drug-checking services that is non-judgemental, accessible and available to all.

• Dr Owen Bowden-Jones, Consultant in Addiction Psychiatry, Imperial College London, Chair, Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs

This breakout session focuses on the link between medicine and prescription drugs with addiction and substance abuse. How can support be tailored to those with disabilities, mental or physical health conditions?

Room: Tavistock

Room: Woburn Hall

• Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University

• Speakers to be announced

Universities cannot work in isolation but should develop strong and effective partnerships with key stakeholders in their communities. This session will present case studies of successful partnerships that universities have been a part of to reduce drug-related harms and deliver information for students to utilise.  

• Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University