Newcastle University and Newcastle University Students’ Union achieve Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation

We’re proud to share that Newcastle University and the Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) have been officially awarded the SOS-UK Drug and Alcohol Impact Accreditation, following a rigorous two-day audit.

This accreditation recognises the University and students’ union’s ongoing commitment to a harm reduction approach to alcohol and drug use, an approach centred on minimising harm, providing stigma-free support, and ensuring student safety.

The announcement comes in the wake of recent guidance from Universities UK, which advocates for a sector-wide adoption of harm reduction strategies. Newcastle has not only embraced this approach but also demonstrated meaningful progress in putting it into action.

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The recent audit highlighted several standout successes across the partnership:

·      Collaborative partnerships: Newcastle has fostered strong relationships with key external organisations, including Public Health, Newcastle Treatment and Recovery, Newcastle City Council, and Northumbria Police. This joined-up, cross-sector approach has enhanced the reach and effectiveness of the programme.

 ·      Inclusive communications: A wide-ranging communication strategy featuring awareness stands, events, and targeted campaigns has helped deliver key messages to a diverse student body inaccessible and engaging ways.

·      Staff engagement at all levels: The involvement of staff across all levels demonstrates the deep integration of the work within both the university and the students' union. The partnership’s top-down, middle, and bottom-up strategy has been key to the programme’s success.

·      Academic collaboration: Campaigns such as the ketamine awareness and smart drug education initiatives reflect close collaboration with academic staff. These evidence-based campaigns ensure students receive reliable, research-led information.

SOS-UK trained Newcastle University student volunteers to audit their institution.

One student auditor said: “The partnership clearly demonstrate a strong willingness and understanding of the importance of promoting safe alcohol consumption and harm reduction drugs policies, which has been particularly reflected in their work across the last two years.”

Whilst another commented, “Staff all seem to have student wellbeing at the focus- they know that drugs and alcohol is a factor which can impact upon student wellbeing and therefore is something that needs addressing- quite progressive attitude rather than ignoring/not raising issues”

Those leading the project highlighted the importance of the work:

“We are delighted to be awarded the SOS-UK Drugs and Alcohol Impact Accreditation, highlighting the longstanding collaboration between the University and Students’ Union in creating a drug and alcohol harm reduction policy. Our focus is on providing students with the support, education, and resources they need to make informed decisions about drugs and alcohol, while minimising any potential risks. This national accreditation recognises our hard work and determination as we continue to develop our student wellbeing and guidance in this area. Sally Ingram, Director of Student Health and Wellbeing at Newcastle University

Congratulations to all those involved in the Drug and Alcohol Impact Programme. This is a fantastic achievement and an important step forward in student wellbeing.

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