A 6-hour introduction to substance use in the UK. Delivered in person, this course will increase your confidence when discussing substances.About this Event
Substance Awareness & Brief Intervention Training
Practical skills to identify substance risk, give brief advice, and make every contact count.
Are you a frontline professional working in health, community or social care?
Every day you have opportunities to make a difference — but do you feel confident starting conversations about substances?
This practical, interactive training will give you the skills, confidence and tools to turn everyday contacts into meaningful, supportive conversations.
Why this matters
Substance misuse harm continues to be a growing public health issue:
- Deaths from drugs (drug poisoning) were at a record high in 2024, reaching 5565 people
- The highest death rates were in the North-East of the country
- Specific drug use for 16-24 year olds has increased dramatically over recent years
This information alone shows how important having conversations about substance use is. Even brief, supportive conversations can make a change.
What national guidance tells us
This training is grounded in established UK guidance and best practice:
- NICE guidance recommends early identification and brief advice to prevent substance-related harm
- UK clinical guidelines highlight the importance of:
- Using validated screening tools (e.g. AUDIT)
- Delivering Substance Brief Interventions
- Referring into specialist support where needed
- The Making Every Contact Count (MECC) approach encourages professionals to use routine interactions to support healthier behaviours
In short: asking about substances and offering brief advice is not optional — it’s a core part of effective, preventative care.
Why attend?
Many professionals tell us: “I’m not sure how to raise the subject”, “I don’t want to offend someone”, “I don’t feel confident giving advice”
This course is designed to change that.
✅ Build confidence to start conversations about substances
✅ Look at current drug trends
✅ Understand drug categories using the drug wheel
✅ Give current naloxone information
✅ Learn brief intervention techniques
✅ Develop practical, non-judgemental communication skills
✅ Know how and when to refer into support services
Even a short conversation can make a difference — this training helps you make it count.
As we are funded by Derbyshire Public Health, our training is free to frontline Derbyshire professionals working in social, health and community care roles.
If you work outside of this area, you’re welcome to join for a small fee.
Extras
- Network with other local professionals
- Link into Derbyshire support services
You can also book onto our:
👉 Alcohol Awareness & Brief Interventions Training
If you have any questions before you book on, you can contact us on 📧 [email protected] 📞01246 206514 and ask for the training team
Get in touch
📧 [email protected]
📞 01246 206514 (ask for the training team)
Delivered by Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS).
DAAS is part of Derbyshire Recovery Partnership – the commissioned drug and alcohol treatment service for Derbyshire.
Event venue
Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS), 1st Floor, Dents Chamber, 81 New Square, Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.