Mental health services are free on the NHS.
To get urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you’re unable to get help online.
Plymouth substance misuse service
This service is for young people under 18 who live in Plymouth and are struggling with drug or alcohol use.
What we do
Our approach is centred on the young person themselves, helping them to build on their existing strengths, skills, and relationships. We meet with the young person to find out what’s going on in their lives, how we can help, and what changes they want to make. Working alongside them we make a plan, breaking down the steps towards their goals.
Support may be delivered through group sessions or one-to-one support.
Sometimes, a young person may not be ready for or interested in this kind of support. In those cases, our team can also provide information and advice for young people and their parents or carers, in-person, online, and by phone. This could include information on substances and their effects, risks and safety, and ways to reduce risk and harm.
We’ll also help young people and their families to find other services that might be able to help them – for example, if they need support with other issues such as housing or special educational needs. We work in schools and community settings, too, delivering group sessions to help young people learn more about the risks of drugs and alcohol and train other professionals as part of the Plymouth children’s safeguarding board programme of learning.
What we can help with
What we can help with
Our team of experienced project workers aim to help young people to:
- stop or reduce their use of drugs or alcohol
- reduce the harm they’re causing to themselves and others
- develop knowledge and skills
- reduce the risks they’re facing long into the future.
This includes supporting parents and carers so that they can help young people with healthy decision making. We will always seek to involve families in support, if it’s possible and appropriate.
How to access the Plymouth substance misuse service
Young people can self-refer to our service. We accept referrals from parents, carers, and professionals where the young person has agreed to the referral.
We aim to see young people within ten working days of a referral.
For more information or to get help from the service, please call 08000274431 or email TCSPlymouth@childrenssociety.org.uk. Let us know when and where you'd prefer to meet and any other requirements. We'll do our best to accommodate your requests.
We’re based at Brunswick House, Holborn Street, Cattedown, Plymouth PL4 0NN.
Need urgent support?
A mental health crisis is an emergency that has a direct and immediate threat to your physical and emotional safety. In a situation like this, it’s important to get help quickly.
Try to stay calm and ask someone for help. It could help to tell someone you trust, maybe a family member or a friend. They can be with you and help you decide what to do. They can also contact other services on your behalf.
If there is any immediate risk to life, contact the emergency services by calling 999.
