Plymouth Substance Misuse Service

What we do

Our approach is centred on the young person themselves, helping them to build on their existing strengths, skills, and relationships. We meet with the young person to find out what's going on in their lives, how we can help, and what changes they want to make. Working alongside them, we make a plan, breaking down the steps towards their goals.

Support may be delivered through group sessions or one-to-one support.  

Sometimes, a young person may not be ready for or interested in this kind of support. In those cases, our team can also provide information and advice for young people and their parents or carers, in-person, online, and by phone. This could include information on substances and their effects, risks and safety, and ways to reduce risk and harm. 

We'll also help young people and their families to find other services that might be able to help them - for example, if they need support with other issues such as housing or special educational needs. We work in schools and community settings, too, delivering group sessions to help young people learn more about the risks of drugs and alcohol and train other professionals as part of the Plymouth children's safeguarding board programme of learning. 

How we can help

Our team of experienced project workers aim to help young people to:

• stop or reduce their use of drugs or alcohol
• reduce the harm they're causing to themselves and others
• develop knowledge and skills
• reduce the risks they're facing long into the future.

This includes supporting parents and carers so that they can help young people with healthy decision making. We will always seek to involve families in support, if it's possible and appropriate.

How to access the Plymouth Substance Misuse Service

Young people can self-refer to our service. We accept referrals from parents, carers, and professionals where the young person has agreed to the referral.  

We aim to see young people as soon as we can and usually within ten working days of a referral.

For more information or to get help from the service, please call 0800 027 4431or email TCSPlymouth@childrenssociety.org.uk.

Let us know when and where you'd prefer to meet and any other requirements. We'll do our best to accommodate your requests.

Need urgent support?

A mental health crisis is an emergency that has a direct and immediate threat to your physical and emotional safety. In a situation like this, it's important to get help quickly.

Try to stay calm and ask someone for help. It could help to tell someone you trust, maybe a family member or a friend. They can be with you and help you decide what to do. They can also contact other services on your behalf.

If there is any immediate risk to life, contact the emergency services by calling 999.

Crisis support services

NHS: Mental health services are free on the NHS. To get urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you're unable to get help online.

Shout: Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text 85258 for immediate help.

Samaritans: You can access confidential emotional support at any time from Samaritans either by emailing or by calling 116 123.

Childline: Childline is a free, private and confidential service that you can access online and on the phone. They can provide help and support for people up to their 19th birthday.

HOPELINE: HOPELINEUK is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. Call 0800 068 4141 any day 9am - 12am (midnight).

Is the information correct?

Let us know if the information on this page is wrong and needs to be updated.

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