SOS-UK is a student-led education charity focusing on sustainability - we know environmental sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation, so our work spans across issues of justice and wellbeing as well. SOS-UK is part of the NUS family and our Alcohol Impact and Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation programmes are delivered by SOS-UK on behalf of NUS.

Our most recent Students and Alcohol survey (link) shows that 32% of respondents drink alcohol once a week or more, with a 13% of respondents getting intentionally drunk about once a week.  See our research library for a full breakdown of results (link to page).

No!  Our programmes are not about being the “fun police” and this isn’t about getting students to abstain from alcohol but giving them the tools, support and environment to moderate their own drinking. We want to identify ways to create a more positive culture of responsible drinking as well as making the campus inclusive for those that choose not to drink.

Yes! Our partnerships have demonstrated measurable results in promoting responsive drinking as well as reducing the impact of irresponsible drinking. Among many others, we have seen a reduction in antisocial behaviours, a decrease in students’ exclusion from campus venues due to irresponsible drinking, increases in events where alcohol are not the main focus and an increase in students’ awareness of campus responsible drinking campaigns.

For our accreditation programmes Alcohol Impact and Drug and Alcohol Impact, we require the university and students’ union to take part in the partnership. This ensures that we are generating whole campus change. SOS-UK are happy to facilitate discussions between both parties. The accreditation schemes can be completed by any university, student's union partnerships regardless of size, location, or NUS affiliation. Our Drink Rethink programme, specialist training or consultancy work may be completed by a students’ union or university in isolation.

Our most recent Students and Drug survey (link) show that 10% of respondents are currently using drugs with a further 22% not using drugs but have done in the past. Cannabis was the most frequently used drug within the sample. See our research library for a full breakdown of results.

Historically, we have seen universities and colleges take a zero-tolerance narrative to student drug use, through this approach we are missing an opportunity to educate students on reducing drug-related harm and equipping them with the information to make informed choices. For many years, universities, colleges and students’ unions have run campaigns on safer sex and responsible alcohol consumption, and we should be building on these approaches, which have shown positive measurable results, to ensure students are educated and supported on the issue of drug use. We are calling for universities and colleges to replace their zero-tolerance stance with an approach that fosters education, harm reduction, and a health and wellbeing approach to student drug use.

Having a comprehensive policy sets out a clear position on the university’s/students’ union stance and ensures students are aware of their university's approach to alcohol and drug use in students. A good harm reduction policy should promote student health and wellbeing. Any disciplinary outcomes for student drug offences should be reasonable and proportionate, with enough flexibility to determine outcomes based on individual circumstances.  To write an effective policy, the partnership should consult several different staff during its development, including liberation officers.

Harm reduction in a university context is an evidence-based approach that prioritises the health, safety, and wellbeing of all students. It does not condone or normalise drug or alcohol use, but seeks to minimise the potential harms which may occur if students take drugs or alcohol.

This approach may include education, safety interventions, stigma reduction, and improved access to support. Universities adopting this approach work in partnership with health services, support organisations, and local police, focusing on both immediate safety and longer-term positive outcomes for students.