Author name: Caz Heath

Every summer it happens – apart from last summer of course. Teens across the land pick up their GCSE results, pack up their bags and tents, and head straight off to their first ever festival. In the south this is Reading, in the north it’s Leeds. Both are run by Festival Republic, and they’re two […]

The effectiveness of psychoactive substances to treat various mental health conditions, from depression and anxiety to addiction, has seen growing interest in recent years. Studies into their use in a clinical and therapeutic context have not only gained energy but become more mainstream, and there are some promising results appearing. This is very welcome, in

How has Covid-19 affected young people in relation to the drugs that may or may not be around for them, and the additional or altered risks these might pose? Have a watch of the third of our new Foundation Conversations to hear Asha and Fiona chat about what we do and don’t yet know about

Our Mission Transition programme came about in 2017 and was an instant hit with those who used it, with its mix of drama and other activities to help children going to secondary school gain confidence and resilience ahead of their move to “big” school.   Over the years it has evolved, with the biggest changes

Moving to virtual learning platforms has not been a bad thing for the DSM Foundation. First and foremost, we have been able to keep providing drugs education in a world in which in-person visits to schools and colleges just aren’t practical or sensible, but it has also encouraged us to embrace technology such as live

A year after Covid-19 hijacked our original conference plans, and with restrictions finally being lifted, we’re really pleased to be able to confirm a new date for the third National Drugs and Alcohol Education Conference, organised jointly by the DSM Foundation, The Alcohol Education Trust and the London Drug and Alcohol Policy Forum.   After

The Met Police this week celebrated a significant milestone in the fight against county lines drug dealing. A total of 1,000 charges had been brought in just over a year against criminals exploiting children and young people to sell their drugs for them. This is great news, and great progress, but sadly that number was

Not long after Dan died, Fiona went into a couple of local schools to talk about what had happened to her beloved son. Her ambition was simple: to impart on young people the importance of the decisions taken about drugs and alcohol so they make the choices that mean they get home in one piece.

As we enter a second year of Covid, and at time of writing a second national lockdown, the restrictions this has imposed on our lives has for many of us created spaces – unexpected and unwanted, but unavoidable. For me, the easing of the busyness of the usually hectic Foundation meant I had the time

One of the first things Dan’s family did after he died was commission a play about what happened to him, in a true testament to Dan’s love of drama. “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die” by Mark Wheeller – the title comes from the final words Dan said before he left home