United Kingdom

"d:side will assist greatly with the vital preventative work being undertaken with some of the most vulnerable children and families in our community."

John Guest, Southwark Education

Drug misuse in the United Kingdom is a serious problem, threatening health and social cohesion. It is estimated that between 250,000 and 350,000 children have a parent or parents who are drug users in the United Kingdom. The culture of binge drinking costs £7.2 billion in crime and disorder and £1.2 billion in healthcare issues annually.

Children in Crisis in the United Kingdom

Children in Crisis runs d:side, an exciting, interactive drug and alcohol education programme for children and young people that encourages them to make positive, informed decisions about their lifestyles.

Using specialist education centres and resources for the classroom, d:side works with children and young people in schools in Leeds and the London borough of Southwark to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of drugs and related issues. We cover a range of topics, from the effects of legal and illegal drugs, to social consequences of drug misuse to issues of peer pressure and self esteem.

Children in Crisis is working to adapt the programme for delivery in non-formal settings, where we seek to address the specific needs of particular groups of children and young people. Recognising the need to work with families and communities, we are also developing training materials for school staff to involve parents and the rest of the community.

Children in Crisis d:side programme reaches over 44,000 children a year in the London Borough of Southwark and in Leeds.

For more information about our d:side programme simply call 0207 6271040 or email dside@childrenincrisis.org.uk. Click here to read more about the programme methodology.