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Last updated on Tuesday 20 Dec 2022 at 10:27pm
New taskforce to help universities understand and address drug-use
Universities UK (UUK) has today announced new work, in partnership with Unite Students, GuildHE and Independent HE, to set out a common approach to reduce harms from drug use and to better tackle supply. This comes as institutions are expressing concern about the impact of student drug use with associated risks of learning and mental health problems, of damage to future job prospects, of addiction and avoidable deaths.
The work will:
To direct the work, UUK has established a taskforce, chaired by Professor Nic Beech, Vice Chancellor, Middlesex University London. It will bring together government departments, sector agencies, the NUS, accommodation providers, public health, charities and police, with standalone research and student advisory panels.
Professor Dame Carol Black, who recently lead the government’s independent review of drugs, Dr Ed Day, National Recovery Champion and Professor Owen Bowden-Jones, consultant addiction psychiatrist and chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, will act as special advisors.
Later this year, UUK and Unite Students will publish a research report based on an upcoming wide-ranging student survey. Findings from the report will help shape UUK’s guidance, highlighting best practice and outlining a sector-led approach to tackling drug use in universities.
Professor Dame Carol Black said:
One of the key findings of my independent review was the rise in recreational drug use and associated harms among young adults. The government’s 10 year drug strategy responded to this finding with a commitment to reducing drug use among young people. I am pleased to support this university sector-led initiative and particularly welcome the emphasis on better understanding student drug use and what works to address it.
Professor Dame Carol Black
Professor Nic Beech said:
I am delighted to lead this important work for UUK and the sector. Drug use is still largely an unspoken issue across UK universities despite the fact that it may impact on learning, on mental health and on students’ future job prospects. The launch of this work signals our firm intention to develop a proactive approach with student safety and health at its heart to help universities understand and address drug use.
Professor Nic Beech
Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University London
Richard Smith, Chief Executive of Unite Students said:
As the UK’s leading provider of student accommodation, the welfare and wellbeing of students are priorities, and we are therefore proud to be able to play our part in supporting Universities UK by being involved with this important research for the UK higher education sector. We are keen to better understand the extent to which drug use and supply impacts on students, their mental health and ability to succeed while studying and living at university.
Richard Smith
Chief Executive of Unite Students
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