Aberystwyth University and Undeb Aberystwyth achieve Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation

We’re pleased to announce that Aberystwyth University and Undeb Aberystwyth have successfully achieved the SOS-UK Drug and Alcohol accreditation following a two-day audit. They are the first university and students’ union to receive this award within a single year.

This accreditation reflects the partnership’s dedication to promoting a social norm of responsible alcohol consumption while shifting the narrative on drug use from a zero-tolerance stance to a harm reduction approach. With the recent guidance from Universities UK calling for a sector-wide harm reduction approach to student drug use, Aberystwyth University and Undeb Aberystwyth have successfully implemented these recommendations, demonstrating the positive changes that have followed.

Key findings from the audit include:

• Engagement with sports and societies: The auditors praised the partnership for fostering a positive culture shift within sports teams and societies. This has contributed to reductions in alcohol sales, an increase in alcohol-free events, and fewer alcohol-related incidents. Student committee members also receive training on alcohol and drug use.
• Commitment to awareness events: The partnership has organised several alcohol and drug awareness events during the current academic year, including a stall set up in town to reach a wider range of students beyond the campus.
• Training nursing students in naloxone use: Second-year nursing students received training in administering naloxone, equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills to respond effectively to opioid overdoses, ultimately saving lives. Integrating naloxone training into the curriculum demonstrates a proactive approach to public health.
• Strengthening ties with the local drug and alcohol service (DDAS): The university’s significant investment in this collaboration has greatly enhanced support services for both students and staff. The partnership with DDAS has resulted in on-campus clinics, structured training for multiple departments, and support in shaping the harm reduction policy, including risk-led information sharing. Plans are also in place to train student drug and alcohol volunteers and establish a peer-to-peer support drop-in service.

SOS-UK trained Aberystwyth University student volunteers to audit their institution.

One student auditor remarked: “I wasn’t surprised to learn Aberystwyth never had an official zero-tolerance policy, but it’s encouraging that the university is now formally adopting a harm reduction stance on alcohol and drugs. I think Aberystwyth is heading in the right direction.”

"On behalf of Aberystwyth University and Undeb Aberystwyth, we are incredibly proud to have achieved the SOS-UK Drug and Alcohol Accreditation following our recent audit. Being the first university and students' union to receive this recognition within a single year is a testament to our strong partnership and shared commitment to fostering a healthier and more informed campus environment.

This accreditation highlights our efforts to promote responsible alcohol consumption and our progressive shift toward a harm reduction approach to drug use. We are particularly proud of our strengthened partnerships with the local drug and alcohol service, DDAS & Choices, whose collaboration has greatly enhanced the support available to both students and staff. The introduction of on-campus clinics, structured training across departments, and shared policy development, including risk-led information sharing, are key outcomes of this partnership. Together, we’re also excited to implement student drug and alcohol volunteer training and establish a peer-to-peer support drop-in service, further expanding the resources available to our community.

We would like to extend our thanks to all the staff, students, and external partners involved, especially DDAS & Choices, for their invaluable contributions to this milestone. Their dedication and active participation have been instrumental in shaping a safer, more supportive campus for all." (Ellie Lewis, Wellbeing Practitioner)

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Congratulations to all those involved in the Drug and Alcohol Impact Programme, a great achievement!

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