Cardiff Metropolitan University, in partnership with Cardiff Met Students' Union, has adopted a harm reduction approach to drugs and alcohol. This means our focus is on providing honest education about the risks, alongside welfare support for anyone affected by substance use.
Our aim is not to encourage the use of drugs or alcohol, but to ensure that students have access to the facts, resources, and support services they need to make informed choices and to look after themselves and others.
We also recognise that some students at Cardiff Met do choose to drink or use drugs. While substance use can carry risks, we believe a strict zero-tolerance stance can discourage students from seeking help when they need it most. Instead, our harm reduction approach ensures that support is always available, without judgement or fear of punishment.
You can read our full statement here: Harm Reduction Approach to Alcohol and Other Drug Use - Our Commitment (cardiffmetsu.co.uk)
Our Commitments
- Prevention: Encouraging safer habits and offering positive alternatives.
- Education: Sharing open, accessible information so you can make your own informed decisions.
- Support: Signposting clear, stigma-free pathways to help when it's needed.
- Protection: Looking after the wellbeing of our whole student community.
Support at Cardiff Met
University can be full of ups and downs, but you don't have to go through it alone!
Student services provide free, confidential support for students, including:
- Counselling and mental health support
- Disability support
- Money management advice
Email: studentservices@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Phone: 029 2041 6170
Cause for Concern
If you're worried about a friend, flatmate, or anyone in your community, you can submit a Cause for Concern form. They will be offered free, confidential, and non-judgemental support.
Alcohol Support: Finding Your Balance
Sometimes alcohol can feel like it's becoming a bigger part of life than you would like. As your University, our priority is to equip you with the knowledge and support to make safe choices around alcohol.
Ask yourself:
- Do you often feel the need to drink?
- Has drinking caused trouble or concerns for you?
- Have others commented on how much you drink?
- Do you feel alcohol is causing problems in your life?
For advice and guidance on making safer choices around alcohol, see the NHS Support Pages are here to help people make better choices about drinking.
Drug Support: Honest Information
While drugs are illegal, we know some of our students may choose to use them. Our priority is to make sure you have access to relaible information and support to reduce risks and stay safe.
DAN 247 – Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline is a free and bilingual telephone helpline providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol.
Cardiff and Vale Drug and Alcohol Service (CAVDAS) 24/7 Drug & Alcohol Support in Cardiff & Vale - Cavdas
Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances (WEDINOS) is a free drug testing service where you can independently and anonymously submit a sample for testing
Looking for quick, anonymous advice about alcohol or drugs?
Campaigns and Resources
Check out our campaigns and guides to make informed choices!
Policies and Procedures