Help for young people under 18

Growing up isn't always easy, but if you have any worries about alcohol or drugs and feel that you need some suppport, there are people out there who can help.

If you need help, you can call the Matthew Project Under 18 Service's free helpline on 0800 970 4866 to talk to someone in confidence 24 hours a day.

When you call the helpline, the person on the line will listen without judging you and try to understand. They will talk to you about what will happen to the information you give them and then ask you some questions to explore your needs and write down some information about you. This information will be kept confidential.

The Matthew Project Under 18 Service

The Matthew Project Under 18 Service offers help and support for young people under 18 in Norfolk who are using alcohol or drugs themselves, as well as to those who are affected by someone else's use. The Under 18 Service teams are based in Norwich, Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth, but they can come and see you anywhere in Norfolk.

Help and Support from The Matthew Project Under 18 information leaflet
This leaflet outlines the help and support available from the Matthew Project Under 18 Service.

Are you affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use? information leaflet
This leaflet provides advice and information for people who might be affected by someone else's substance use.

You can find more information about the Matthew Project on their website www.matthewproject.org and you can also text or email them.

Text: 07797 800 966 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm)

Email: under18@matthewproject.org

Information about alcohol and drugs

You might have learned a bit about alcohol and drugs at school, but if you'd like to find out more, here are a few resources that provide information about the most common substances, their risks and the laws about them.

Do Your Children Know More About Drugs Than You Do?
This information leaflet gives the basic facts about different substances, potential health risks and the law, including alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, ketamine, mephedrone and 'legal highs'. It also provides advice for parents about discussing the subject of drugs and alcohol with their children.

D-World from DrugScope
The D-Word site provides facts about drugs, information about staying safe and the law along with games and quizzes for children and young people.

Talk to Frank
Follow the advertures of Pablo, the drug mule dog, and pay a visit to the FRANK lab to find out how different drugs can react with your body.

You can also find links to other national and local organisations on our Useful Links page.