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The publications will provide essential guidance about drugs-related issues and offer advice on the most effective methods of assisting young people.   

The three new publications are:

• Mentoring, befriending and drugs – aimed at mentors and befrienders
• Drugs and young people – aimed at project co-ordinators
• Safety first – handy credit card sized key information on what to do in a crisis situation

The information contained provides a mix of tips, advice and best practice which covers everything from basic drug facts and signs of drug use, to dilemmas and setting boundaries.  The resources will equip mentors and befrienders with the knowledge and confidence to be able to handle drug-related conversations as they arise.

The new publications have been produced following an extensive consultation with leading organisations across the mentoring and befriending sector including: Rainer, The Princes Trust, SOVA and Chance UK.  The publications will fill a vital gap in the current information available to both project co-ordinators, and mentors/befrienders themselves.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:
“Young people are at the heart of our new Drug Strategy. I want young people to live drug free lives so that they can achieve their full potential.

“That is why these mentoring packs are important. They help to empower young people to make the right choices about illegal substances. Mentors and befrienders are ideally placed to help guide young people towards advice and support, which is why this partnership matters so much.

“Drug use among young people has fallen in recent years and I want to build on that success."

Peter Collins Chief Executive of MBF added:
“It is vital that mentors and befrienders know what to do if drugs crop up in the conversation with young people or if they suspect substance misuse - and these publications help do that.  Being prepared can help reduce the risk of a young person’s vulnerability to drug use being overlooked.” 

These free publications are available to download within the resources section on the website. 
Hard copies can also be ordered using the online order form.

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