UTURN - Substance use support service

UTURN is a specialised service that provides support and guidance to young people and their families regarding alcohol and drug use.

The service offers tailored, non-judgmental support, ranging from harm reduction to structured treatment and focuses on empowering young people to make informed choices to reduce harm and improve their well-being.

Who is UTURN for?

  • Young people aged 10 to 18 living in Swindon
  • Young people aged 18 to 21 who are care-experienced

UTURN collaborates closely with Change Grow Live (Swindon’s adult substance use service) to ensure a smooth transition for young people needing continued support into adulthood.

Referrals

Referrals can be made by anyone, including young people themselves. However, the young person must consent, as UTURN is a voluntary service and no one should feel forced to work with them.

The team provides support for all substances (excluding tobacco), including illicit drugs, solvents and prescribed medications.

What UTURN offers

Harm reduction work

For young people who use substances and do not wish to stop but want to minimise risks. This includes:

  • understanding the dangers of substances
  • learning how to stay safer, such as recognising overdose signs and reducing risky behaviours
  • strategies like testing substances for adulterants and managing doses

This programme typically lasts six sessions, but it can be tailored to the young person’s needs.

Structured treatment

For young people who wish to make changes to their substance use, such as reducing or stopping. This includes:

  • weekly one-to-one sessions tailored to their goals
  • using recognised techniques like motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural interventions
  • flexible plans that adapt as the young person progresses

This work is open-ended and continues until the young person’s goals are achieved.

Community resolutions

This diversionary programme is for young people arrested for their first drug-related offence. Instead of facing criminalisation, they can:

  • attend a one hour awareness session at UTURN to learn about substance harm, safety and the law
  • avoid having the offence recorded on their criminal record if they engage with the session

Young people who attend a community resolution session can opt to continue harm reduction or structured treatment work.

Drug awareness, training and community engagement

UTURN provides:

  • drug awareness sessions for schools, professionals, community groups and voluntary organisations (for example, Scouts, youth clubs)
  • outreach work, offering advice and guidance to young people in community settings
  • drop-in sessions at schools and residential placements for accessible support and information

How to access UTURN

Make a referral to UTURN

For young people

UTURN is a safe, confidential space where you can:

  • learn about substances and reduce harm
  • create a personalised plan to manage or change your substance use

Your first appointment includes a discussion on confidentiality and an assessment of your needs, covering your substance use, mental health and physical health. You decide what to share, and together, you’ll create a plan that works for you.

Appointments are flexible and can take place in schools, colleges, or other locations where you feel comfortable. Virtual or telephone sessions are also available.

Useful resources

  • Alcohol Change UK
    • Access support and resources to better understand and manage alcohol use
  • Drug Science
    • UK-based harm reduction advice and detailed information about different drugs
  • Drugs and Me
    • Explore harm reduction advice for recreational drug use, including a tool for understanding risks when combining substances
  • Drugs penalties (GOV.UK)
    • Learn about drug laws and penalties in England
  • DrugWise
    • Find comprehensive information about various substances, including legal guidance and harm reduction tips
  • Feeling pressured to take drugs?
    • Visit FRANK for 10 tips on how to handle peer pressure
  • We are the Loop
    • A harm reduction charity offering drug testing at festivals and events, as well as sharing alerts on emerging substance risks
  • WEDINOS
    • Access a free, anonymous online drug testing service through the Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances Project

For parents and carers

If you’re concerned about your child’s substance use, UTURN can:

  • offer free, confidential advice and guidance
  • help you build trust and start open conversations with your child

Top tips

  • Avoid being judgmental
    • Listen to the young person without criticism or blame
  • Do your research on substances
    • Equip yourself with knowledge to have informed discussions
  • Focus on support, not punishment
    • Emphasise the positive help available rather than consequences
  • Hear them out
    • Let them share everything they want to say without interruptions
  • Reassure them
    • Remind them they are not in trouble and that you’re there to help
  • Spread conversations out over time
    • Avoid overwhelming them by having multiple smaller conversations instead of one long discussion
  • Start with brief, open conversations
    • Begin with small, open-ended discussions to create trust and make the young person feel comfortable
  • Stay calm
    • Approach the situation calmly and avoid reacting emotionally
  • Understand that saying 'it’s wrong' isn’t enough
    • Taking time to talk and build trust is more effective in reducing risky behaviours

Useful resources

For professionals

UTURN supports professionals working with young people by:

  • offering consultations to discuss concerns
  • providing meet and greet sessions to introduce services to hesitant young people

Further information

You can request a consultation or more information by:

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