Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS)
We support young people affected by drug and alcohol addiction.

Who is EYPDAS for?
Who is EYPDAS for?
If you are below 25 and you are affected by drug or alcohol misuse, we want to help. Whether it is you or someone in your family that is addicted to drugs or alcohol, we are here to support you every step of the way.
How can we support you?
Substance misuse is serious and we recognise the impact this can have on the individuals well-being and mental health; as well as on those who care about or live with them.
With the right help and support, it's possible for you to get drug and/or alcohol free and stay that way. We work tirelessly to raise awareness on substance misuse (drugs and alcohol) and provide support and advice for you and your family. Our service is free and confidential and offers a safe person-centred approach; including:
- One-to-one support
- Group work support
- Telephone support
- Virtual support
- NEET Support (for those not in education, employment or training)
We deliver our services through a comprehensive programme of psychosocial interventions which include brief and extended treatment interventions (such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy).
We also support onward referral to intensive treatment including clinical detox and residential/community rehab.
What is our Recovery Pathway Group?
Recovery Pathway Group (RPG) is an online group, held once per week for six weeks and is specifically designed for 18–24-year-olds who want to change their substance use. Group Work is proven to be extremely successful for recovery and having the support of other like-minded people who are on a similar journey is invaluable.
No-one said recovery is easy and often knowing where and how to start can be the most difficult part.
RPG offers education and information, exploring drug use and how it directly affects the individual. We look at motivation to change, triggers, influences, and practice different coping strategies and tools needed to move forward and achieve goals.
RPG aims to give you that starting point with an introduction to what recovery is and what is required if you are to be successful.
All about our PSHE+ offer for Schools
PSHE+ is a short group work programme for under 18's that focuses on reducing risk, increasing awareness and harm reduction of Drugs, Alcohol or illicit vaping (THC Vapes). The programme is for young people identified as being at risk of slipping into regular drug and alcohol use, who may have friends who use drugs and alcohol and who may not be sure about 1:1 support.
We usually work with up to 10 young people per group and offer education, information and exploring the facts and risks around substance use. The sessions usually consist of an individual assessment and two to four group sessions. Further 1:1 support is offered as required.

EYPDAS has basically takenme off the streets EYPDAS has basically takenme off the streets

Contact Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service
How do I access EYPDAS?
If you think you need our help, don't hesitate to get in touch. If you need to refer yourself, you can. We take referrals from professionals and concerned others too. To do this you can download the referral form or fill it out online. If you're downloading, please complete and email it to us.
Get in touch
We are always learning and aiming to improve wherever we can. Do you have a comment or question about our services? Email us or call 01245 493 311.
Sign up for our Newsletter
If you'd like to receive our occasional newsletter with updates about our services and what is available for young people in your area then please email Anne-Marie.Charsley@childrenssociety.org.uk to be added to our mailing list.