Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff Met Students' Union achieve Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation

We’re pleased to announce that Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff MetStudents’ Union have successfully obtained the SOS-UK Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation following a two-day audit. They are the first university and students’ union in Wales to achieve this award.

This accreditation illustrates the partnership's commitment to embedding a social norm of responsible alcohol consumption and shifting the conversation on drugs from a zero-tolerance stance to a harm reduction approach. With the recent guidance from Universities UK advocating for a sector-wide harm reduction approach to student drug use, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff Met Students’ Union have demonstrated their implementation of these recommendations, showcasing the positive changes that have resulted.

Key findings of the audit include:

· A strong commitment to understanding student drug and alcohol use: The partnership’s decision to host focus groups reflects a thoughtful approach to gaining deeper insights into students' thoughts and attitudes.

· Leadership in sharing good practice across the sector: The partnership has regularly and successfully shared good practices ,positively influencing other universities and students’ unions.

· Proactive introduction of naloxone on campus: The partnership was highly commended for being one of the first in the UK to introduce naloxone on campus, demonstrating a strong commitment to student safety and well-being and setting a positive example for other institutions.

· Building a strong relationship with the local drug and alcohol service (CAVDAS): Significant investment in this collaboration has greatly benefited both students and staff by enhancing support services and providing valuable training opportunities.

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

The student auditors said: “The work done in this partnership has been shown to be thorough and effective in promoting healthier behaviour through a holistic approach which seeks to legitimise students and work with them for the community and their betterment.”

“The impression I got is that the people working on the program are very passionate and eager to make a positive impact on drug and alcohol harm reduction. They are knowledgeable about what is happening on and off campus and have tried to implement changes to deal with this. The focus on changing wider culture around university is a good approach to take in my view and will bear results not only for drug and alcohol use but wider student wellbeing and experience at university.”

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Student President Daniel Flaherty expressed pride in these achievements, stating, "This recognition for our partnership work with the University reflects our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our members. The award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, who strive to make Cardiff Met a place where everyone can thrive."

Head of Student Wellbeing, Neil Davies commented "Working alongside the Students' Union on this accreditation has been very rewarding and demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting our students to achieve and succeed. We have spent the last 2-years getting our foundations right in the harm reduction space and I am excited to work with colleagues and students to build on those foundations in the coming years to benefit our community at Cardiff Met.”

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

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