Category: Support in School

Drugs Information – finding support

Thank you to all who attended the Drugs Information Evening last night.

Here are some useful resources for anyone looking to find out more information about drugs or alcohol. There are also links for sources of support.

Websites and Information

Talk to Frank

  • A-Z – including street names
  • General information about the drug
  • How you might feel
  • Effects on your body
  • How long it takes to work
  • How long the effects last
  • Common Risks
  • Mixing drugs
  • Also has a helpline

CREW

CREW’s aim is to reduce harm, challenge perceptions and help people make positive choices about their use of cannabis, stimulant and other social drugs and sexual health by providing non-judgemental, credible and up to date information and support.

Young Minds

  • What are the laws around drugs and alcohol?
  • How can drugs and alcohol affect my mental health?
  • How to tell if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol
  • What to do if you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol
  • Dealing with peer pressure around drugs and alcohol
  • Helping a friend who you think may have a drink or drug problem
  • Where to get help
  • Guide for parents

Helplines and Support Groups

Childline

  • Helpline for any problem. Call, chat or email online for a confidential call.

Drink Aware

  • Support, information and advice about the impact of alcohol on you, your family or friends. Free webchat service

We Are With You

  • Confidential support around issues with drugs, alcohol and mental health. Free webchat service.

Alateen

  • Part of Alcoholics Anonymous, offering support for young people who have relatives and friends who are alcoholics.

Sources of Support

Alcoholics Anonymous

  • Local support groups for people to share their experiences and find support with alcoholism.

Narcotics Anonymous

  • Information, support and advice about drug addiction. Support, information and advice about the impact of alcohol on you, your family or friends. Free webchat service

SFAD

A helpline for families affected by alcohol or drug use

General Support with mental health and wellbeing

Kooth

  • Offers support to young people with their mental health

Togetherall

  • Offers support to young people over 16 with mental health

Other Sources of Support

Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drugs Service

  • Offers advice, support, treatment or just someone to talk to because of alcohol or drugs.

GP Surgery

  • Book an appointment with your local GP who can advise and offer a course of action and support.

CAMHS

  • Referrals to the Community Adolescent Mental Health Servide can be made for addiction by your GP, Guidance Teacher, or social worker.

What is Peer Listening

What are Peer Listeners?

Peer Listeners are students who have volunteered to support other students by talking to them and listening to them.

Our volunteers complete a course which includes learning good listening skills and understanding when and where to find help if needed.

How can Peer Listeners help you?

Peer listeners are other students who want to help support you in the way that a friend or an older sibling might do. They are not counsellors but will spend time chatting with you about how you feel.

Peer Listeners work with school staff so can help you to share any concerns with the right person. They will not give you advice but are there to listen to you or to be a friend.

Do I have to have a problem?

Definitely NOT. Peer listening is for anyone who wants to go along  and chat with other pupils. This might be because you find yourself on your own or just because you enjoy their company.

How does Peer Listening work? 

The Peer Listeners are based in the library during lunchtime. There will usually be between two and four students and they are set up with games that you can play while they chat to you and get to know you. 

The majority of peer listeners will be in S3 and they will be part of the programme for one year. Some students may wish to continue and so they might continue beyond S3.

The students will be in the library from 1.10pm. They use the tables as the back beside the window so you will easily recognise them.

What do I do to meet with a Peer Listener?

Peer Listening is a drop in service so you just have to turn up. It is available ever lunchtime from 1.10pm but you can go at any time after that. It isn’t like a club or group so you don’t need to stay for the whole time or go every week.

The students who are there will welcome you so you don’t need to explain why you have come – just sit down and they will find a game to play or an activity for you to do.

How do I become a Peer Listener?

We train a new group of Peer Listeners each year. We ask that you make a commitment for the whole year and you can start during S3. We offer training for the new group of Peer Listeners which covers all the skills you will need.

Training takes place after the change of timetable but before the summer holidays as our new S1 pupils can find it helpful when they first start school.

If you are interested in becoming a PeerListener then please speak with your Guidance Teacher or speak with Ms McIlraith for more information.