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Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS)

We support young people using drugs and/or alcohol.

Who is EYPDAS for?

Who is EYPDAS for?

If you are aged under 25, use drugs or alcohol, and feel you need support; we are here to help. 

How can we support you?

We understand that substance use can have a significant impact on a young person's wellbeing, mental health, relationships, education, and future opportunities. It can also affect family members and others who care about them.

With the right support, you can better understand the risks associated with drug and alcohol use, develop strategies to reduce harm, and make positive changes that work for you. We provide advice, education, information, and tailored support for young people and their families.

Our service is free, confidential, and person-centred. We offer:

  • One-to-one support
  • Group work programmes
  • Telephone support
  • Virtual support
  • NEET support (for young people who are not in education, employment, or training)

We deliver support through a range of evidence-based psychosocial interventions, including both brief and longer-term treatment approaches.

Where appropriate, we can also support referrals to more intensive treatment services, including community-based rehabilitation, residential rehabilitation, and clinical detoxification services.

What is our Recovery Pathway Group?

The Recovery Pathway Group (RPG) is an online group programme delivered once a week over four - six weeks and is delivered alongside 1:1 support from a dedicated substance use practitioner. It is designed for young people under the age of 25 who want to reduce or stop their drug or alcohol use.

Group support can be a powerful part of recovery. Meeting others who are facing similar challenges can help reduce isolation, build confidence, and provide encouragement and motivation for change.

Recovery is different for everyone, and knowing where to start can often feel overwhelming. RPG provides a safe and supportive space to explore:

  • Substance use and its impact
  • Motivation for change
  • Triggers and influences
  • Managing cravings and difficult situations
  • Coping strategies and practical recovery tools
  • Goal setting and future planning

The programme aims to provide a strong foundation for recovery and help young people take the first steps towards achieving their goals.

All about our PSHE+ offer for Schools

PSHE+ is a targeted group programme for young people under 18 that focuses on reducing risk, increasing awareness, and promoting harm reduction in relation to drugs, alcohol, and illicit vaping, including THC vapes.

The programme is designed for young people who may be at risk of developing more regular substance use, who may be influenced by peers using substances, or who may not yet feel comfortable engaging in one-to-one support.

Groups typically include up to 10 young people and provide:

  • Education and information about substances
  • Exploration of the facts, risks, and consequences of substance use
  • Discussions to increase awareness and support informed decision-making
  • Opportunities to build confidence and resilience

The programme usually consists of an individual assessment followed by two to four group sessions. Additional one-to-one support can be offered where needed.

boy red hoody sitting cross legged on roof looking pensive

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 could benefit from our support, please get in touch. You can refer yourself, or referrals can be made by parents, carers, and professionals, with the young person's consent.

To make a referral, you can either

Get in touch

We are committed to continually improving our services and welcome feedback, comments, and questions.

To find out more about EYPDAS, please email us or call 01245 493 311.

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Would you like to hear more about our services and opportunities available to young people across Essex?

If you'd like to receive our occasional newsletter with updates about our services and what is available for young people in your area; you can sign up by clicking this link to be added to our mailing list - join the mailing list.

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