In this episode of Drug Education Forum, we speak with Morgan Moore, National Delivery Manager at Planet Youth, about the Icelandic Youth Model and how it is being applied in Scotland to prevent problematic drug and alcohol use among young people.

The Icelandic Youth Model focuses on prevention at a community level. Rather than relying solely on drug education or individual interventions, it looks at family life, peer groups, after-school activities, community cohesion, and how young people spend their time outside of school.

We discuss how local data is gathered and used to understand risk factors within specific communities, how that data informs targeted interventions, and what this approach teaches us about preventing harmful patterns of behaviour before they develop.

This conversation is aimed at professionals working with young people, including those in education, youth services, public health, drug and alcohol services, and local authorities.

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and overview of the conversation

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🔗 Links & Resources

Planet Youth

Drug Education Forum

Solvent and inhalant use remains one of the least discussed but most dangerous forms of substance misuse in the UK. In this interview, Paul North speaks with Dan Gibbons, Training and Engagement Lead at Resolve, a UK charity dedicated to solvent abuse education and prevention.

Together they explore why solvent use is so often overlooked, how to recognise the signs, and what practical steps can be taken to reduce harm and raise awareness.

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

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📚 Resources & Support

Resolve – UK charity providing education, resources and support for solvent and inhalant use:

Drug Education Forum – Professional guidance and free resources for teachers, youth workers and safeguarding leads:

FRANK – Government-backed information on drugs and substances:

If you’re in the UK and need immediate help, call 111 for medical advice or 999 in an emergency.

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🗣️ Help Raise Awareness

If you work with young people, share this video and help others understand the realities of solvent use.

In this episode, Paul North speaks with Steve Duffy (Project Manager, Choose Life Project), Dr Cassie Ogden (Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Liverpool John Moores University), and Dr Karen Corteen (Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice, Liverpool John Moores University).

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction – What is the Choose Life Project?

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🔗 Links & Resources

💬 Join the Conversation

In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Measham, Chair in Criminology at the University of Liverpool and founder of The Loop. Fiona is one of the most influential voices in harm reduction, with decades of research into MDMA, ketamine, and drug use at festivals.

We dive deep into the realities of today’s drug markets, the challenges of drug education, and the life-saving role of drug checking services in the UK.

👉 Check out Fiona’s work with The Loop: https://wearetheloop.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help more people find these important conversations.

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Timestamps:

In the second episode of the Drug Education Forum Podcast, host Paul North, a steering committee member and experienced drug education advocate, speaks with Nick Hickmott, Early Intervention Lead at We Are With You in Kent. 

Nick, a specialist in harm reduction and drug education for young people, discusses the evolution of how young people access drugs—from traditional local dealers to digital platforms like Telegram.

They explore the impacts of this shift, including increased accessibility, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the risks for vulnerable youth, while emphasizing the need for nuanced, evidence-based education.

This series by the Drug Education Forum features experts to foster informed discussions on drug education. 

Visit https://drugeducationforum.org.uk/ for more resources and events.

Subscribe for upcoming episodes and share your views in the comments.

Timestamps:

In the inaugural episode of the Drug Education Forum Podcast, host Paul North, a seasoned drug education advocate and steering committee member, sits down with Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, Chair of the Drug Education Forum and Founder of the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation. Together, they explore the pressing challenges in drug education—sifting through vast, ever-changing information, countering media-driven misconceptions, and crafting evidence-based messages that connect with young people. They also discuss opportunities to empower educators, parents, and professionals through collaborative networks and innovative resources.

This new podcast series, hosted by the Drug Education Forum, brings together leading experts to advance evidence-based drug education. Paul, with over a decade of experience engaging thousands of students, and Fiona, an award-winning author and advocate, set the stage for impactful conversations. Learn more about our work and join our events at https://drugeducationforum.org.uk/. Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes featuring diverse voices in the field, and share your insights in the comments.

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#DrugEducation #SubstanceAwareness #DrugEducationForum #YouthEducation #EvidenceBasedPractice