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Life on campus offers many opportunities for socialising in a range of venues, including those serving alcohol and those which don’t. You may encounter being around other substances too, and it is important keep yourself and your friends safe. You can get the .

If you have concerns about your drug and/or alcohol use, it’s a good idea to seek support and have a chat. There is plenty of support available::

• you can speak with a member of the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity ServiceStudent Wellbeing and Inclusivity ServiceStudent Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service
• contact a confidential specialist agency (see below)
• make an appointment to talk to a doctor
• read the University drug and alcohol policy (.pdf)

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not normally be accepted as a mitigating factor or an excuse for behaviour leading to breaches of the and you may be referred to a drug and alcohol awareness course as part of your sanction.

Help and support 

We want you to be safe on campus so if you are drinking excessively or using drugs, reach out to us for support. Alcohol and drug use can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, education, relationships, finances and housing.

You may benefit from support if you:

• struggle to say no when offered alcohol or drugs
• consume more than 14 units (140 ml) of alcohol per week
• have hurt yourself or others because of your alcohol or drug use
• have physical or psychological urges to use alcohol or drugs
• find it hard to remember what happened the following day

Colchester Campus

We work in partnership with , a specialist support service. We have a dedicated support worker, Ellie Bland, who offers 1:1 appointments in-person or online to students on Colchester Campus.

Ellie offers:

• a confidential service
• personalised support
• ways to look after yourself
• referrals to other support if needed

To book an appointment, email Ellie Bland: ellie.bland@openroad.org.uk

If you want to have a chat with a wellbeing assessor in SWIS first, .

Loughton Campus

If you are on Loughton Campus offers an outreach service for anyone 25 and over. You can contact Open Road Harlow on 01279 434621 or via their website.

offer support for anyone under 25, contact EYPDAS on 01245 493 311 or via their website.

Southend Campus

If you are based on the Southend Campus offer a young person’s service for anyone aged 18-29. Contact Open Road Southend on 01268 531435 or via their website.

For anyone in Southend over the age of 29 you can access support through the on 01702 431889 or via their website.

Policies

While we are here to support you, remember that you are still responsible for upholding the University Drug and Alcohol Policy (.pdf) and the Student Code of Conduct.

Further information and support

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