This year marks a significant step forward for Aberystwyth University, Undeb Aberystwyth (the Aberystwyth University Students' Union), and the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service and Choices (DDAS) as they join forces to address the usage of drugs and alcohol among the student community. The partnership, focused on the SOS Student Drug and Alcohol Impact initiative, has brought our organizations closer together, enabling us to collaborate more effectively on this and future projects.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Aberystwyth, where students constitute a large proportion of the town's population, our organizations were driven by a shared commitment to tackle drug and alcohol use within the student community. Although a survey conducted by the Students' Union at the beginning of the academic year indicated that the problem was not as severe as initially thought, we collectively agreed that it remains a critical issue warranting our attention.
Representatives from the University's Student Services, Undeb Aberystwyth, and DDAS and Choices attended the SOS conference on drugs and alcohol. The conference provided invaluable insights and best practices that are now being applied to our initiatives in Aberystwyth. Encouragingly, the conference also validated that some aspects of our drug and alcohol work are sector-leading.
Our approach is firmly rooted in harm reduction. We recognize the reality that it is unrealistic to expect students to completely abstain from drugs and alcohol. Instead, our focus is on ensuring that students are safe and well-informed. To this end, we have implemented several key initiatives:
**Weekly Drop-in Sessions**: University Student Services and DDAS and Choices have introduced weekly drop-in sessions at the Student Services building. These
- sessions offer a confidential and supportive environment for students to seek help and advice anonymously.
- **Awareness Stalls**: Undeb Aberystwyth has organized informational stalls in collaboration with DDAS and Choices, including a notable nighttime event where we provided students on a night out with condoms and anti-spiking kits.
- **Awareness Week**: During Student Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week, Undeb Aberystwyth undertook extensive awareness-raising activities, sharing information about external services that support students and promote peer support within student groups.
- **Non-Alcoholic Events**: We have been actively working to create events and activities that do not revolve around alcohol, demonstrating that enjoyable social experiences do not require drinking.
-
Despite these efforts, there is still more to be done. The initial survey revealed that students' perceptions of drug and alcohol use at university often exceed the actual experiences upon arrival. This discrepancy highlights the need for continued education and support.
We are excited about the progress made so far and are committed to further strengthening our partnership. Our goal is to support students in every possible way, ensuring a safe and healthy university experience. As we look forward to welcoming new students in the coming academic year, we remain dedicated to this vital work.
Together, Aberystwyth University, Undeb Aberystwyth, and DDAS and Choices are making strides towards a safer, more informed student community. We anticipate more impactful collaboration and continued progress in our efforts to address drug and alcohol issues among our students.