University of Northampton and Northampton Students’ Union achieve Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation

We’re proud to share that the University of Northampton and Northampton Students’ Union 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. The University of Northampton has not only embraced this approach, but also demonstrated meaningful progress in putting it into action.

The recent audit highlighted several standout successes across the partnership:

• Embedding harm reduction: Harm reduction has been integrated into the Learning and Teaching Strategy and linked to themes of belonging. The University has also ensured that drug and alcohol work is considered within broader student wellbeing initiatives, creating a sustainable, long-term approach to student support
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• ‍Engaging interventions: The team delivered new and engaging campus activities related to student alcohol consumption. Notably, the Drink Rethink student ambassadors were trained and carried out over 1,200 IBA interventions across multiple days.
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• Collaborative partnerships: Northampton has developed strong relationships with a range of stakeholders on campus and off, including academics, Northampton Council and Aquarius, a local drug and alcohol support service. ‍
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• Understanding student need: Student concerns have been central to the development of harm reduction initiatives. Recognising that some students may be hesitant to engage with certain elements of harm reduction, the team has worked to make support as accessible as possible. One example of this is the provision of drug testing kits in vending machines, accompanied by supportive resources and information.  

SOS UK trained University of Northampton student volunteers to audit their institution.  

One student auditor said: “This work is invaluable and could save lives. Bringing the topic of drug and alcohol consumption into conversation not only reduces risks but also allows people to seek help without shame.”

Whilst another commented: “It was wonderful to see the level of passion of the people involved with the project.”

Those leading the project highlighted the importance of the work:

“Receiving the accreditation is fantastic news and recognises the hard work of staff and students in embedding a harm reduction culture at UON.   This has been a real partnership between the university, the Student Union and SOS UK and its impact has been, and will continue to be, far reaching.” Chris Powis, Director of Library Learning and Student Services at University of Northampton & Rosie Harvey, Head of Membership Services at Northampton Students’ Union

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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