About EYPDAS
Who we are - Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol
Service
If you're under 19, live in Essex and have concerns about drugs
or alcohol, then Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol
Service (EYPDAS) is here for you.
We offer information, support and advice to help you make your
own choices about alcohol and drugs.
If you're affected by drug or alcohol use - your own, or someone
else's - we'll work with you to keep you safe and get things
sorted. We won't make you do anything you don't want to - we'll
find out what you want and provide the support you need.
We work with organisations like social care, schools and health
services to make sure the support you need is there for you,
whenever you need it. Whether it is a problem with teenage
drinking or drug help in general then get
in contact.
EYPDAS provides its services across
the county of Essex, excluding Southend and Thurrock. To make
sure we have adequate coverage, local knowledge and effective
partnerships and relationships, EYPDAS staff operate a quadrant
working scheme, split between 4 quadrants; mid, north, south and
west. The quadrant teams each operate from a premises (satellite
base) in their locality.
How can we help you?
- By providing advice and information on drugs and alcohol.
- By getting you involved in local groups or projects to keep you
busy and away from drugs and alcohol.
- By talking to your parents, if you want us to, to help them
understand how you are feeling.
- By talking to your social worker or teacher to make sure your
views are heard.
- By listening to how you're feeling and organising one to one
support for you.
- By providing free and confidential advice and information on
drugs and alcohol no matter where you live in Essex (excluding
Southend and Thurrock).
- By meeting with you in your own home, a local cafe or park,
wherever you feel most comfortable.
- By understanding. We know that deciding to open up to us is a
big step for many young people.
- By providing C-Card, Chlamydia screening and needle and syringe
exchange provision.
- By helping you get your voice heard with healthcare or social
work professionals, especially when you turn 18 or move on to adult
services.
- By talking to your family for you so you can all get along
better and understand each other.
- By giving you their time. There is no limit to the amount of
time we spend with young people. Your needs always come first, and
our team will work with you for as long as you need us to.
EYPDAS Testimonials
Here are some comments from young people who have used our
services;
"It helped a lot knowing that the service was confidential
because you do not have to worry about what you discuss in the
sessions. But also was good knowing that if you were in danger they
would help you."
"One of the best things about the service is that they see you
where you feel most comfortable whether it's at a relative's house
or in a park. It is really flexible. This is good because it can
get you away from an environment where something may be affecting
you in a negative way. If you have trouble remembering when you're
appointments are they can text you to let you know. They motivate
you to get up for your session and do not give up on you, which
impacts positively on the relationship because it shows someone
cares."
"EYPDAS will try and help you to resolve the situation your in.
They will help in many different ways".
"EYPDAS has basically taken me off the streets, away from all the
criminals, drug users and abusers and given me time to reflect on
what I have done in my life and what I want in life. And that is to
help other young people."