Important communication about alcohol and drug use

Dear resident

Recreational drugs – including new psychoactive substances and herbal or “legal highs” – and/or excessive use of alcohol can pose a serious and immediate risk to otherwise fit and well students. And of course there is also a good body of evidence showing the longer-term physical and mental health risks of regular use. So we are writing to remind you about the help that is available to safeguard you from alcohol- and drug-related harm.

Whilst the possession or use of illegal drugs is a disciplinary offence, our primary concern will always be for your safety and wellbeing. If you genuinely seek our help because you are worried about your use of alcohol or drugs, we will approach your concerns confidentially and non-judgmentally. We will seek to provide you with the support you need. If you are willing to accept professional help, in most cases we will not pursue disciplinary action. 

Similarly, if you are concerned about a friend's use of alcohol or drugs in the hall, you can tell us in confidence, without fear that you will get your friend in trouble. Telling us your concerns about a friend's use of alcohol or drugs could be the thing that saves his or her life. Please don't stand by and do nothing. 

Most importantly, if you or a friend become unwell after taking drugs, please get medical help (call 999 for an ambulance) and inform the front-desk reception immediately. In a medical emergency our concern is always to ensure that the paramedics and doctors treating you know exactly what has happened and why, so please tell us the whole story. Your health and wellbeing always come first.

So if you are concerned about any matter relating to alcohol or drug use in hall – your own or someone else's – make an appointment to speak in confidence with the Warden in your Hall.

English law places some requirements on us that mean we must use the disciplinary procedure in certain circumstances. These are:

1.       If there is any evidence that a resident is supplying drugs to others, causing a breach of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

2.       If smoking drugs such as cannabis inside the Hall is causing a breach of the Health Act 2010.

3.       If the use of drugs in the Hall causes risk to the safety of other residents, staff, or the public, in breach of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 or the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

We will also use the disciplinary procedure if we find evidence of illegal drug use in your room but neither you nor a friend has come forward seeking help. It is too late to ask for our help after we have found evidence of drug use.

Links to sites providing information on alcohol and drug use disorder are provided below, with contact details for counselling and support services. Whilst we do wish to provide direct support these hopefully provide alternative avenues if you feel unable to contact anyone in hall. Whether through Hall staff or alternative support provision, please do seek professional help and gain an understanding of the risks you face.

Yours faithfully

Andrew Howarth

Acting Head of Residential Accommodation

Adrian Clark

Warden, Connaught Hall

warden@connaught-hall.org.uk

Alice Coote-Cowling

Hall Manager, College & Connaught Halls

alice.coote-cowling@london.ac.uk

Help with alcohol use concerns 

Drinkaware

Sensible drinking tips & help with alcohol problems

www.drinkaware.co.uk

Drink Smarter

Sensible drinking tips & help with alcohol problems

www.drinksmarter.org/drinkline – 0800 7 314 314

Camden Alcohol Service

Individual and group counselling sessions and advice on alcohol related problems

www.candi.nhs.uk/services/camden-specialist-alcohol-treatment-service-csats – 020 3227 4950

Foundation 66

Individual sessions with people under 23 who have concerns about alcohol use

www.phoenix-futures.org.uk/foundation-66

Help with drug use concerns 

Vital Information Pack

Lots of information about drugs, including what first aid you should give if a friend gets unwell after using drugs

drive.google.com/file/d/0B8aHo3-r-MQLX3lTdmVKcFFOVG8/view?usp=sharing

Drugs recognition & emergency first aid

This leaflet will help you if you're worried about a friend who might be using drugs, and show you how to help them in an emergency

drive.google.com/file/d/0B8aHo3-r-MQLRkZPcVZtcmFRYzg/view?usp=sharing

Talk to Frank

The National Drugs Helpline

www.talktofrank.com – 0300 123 6600 – Text 82111

London Friend Antidote

The UK’s only LGB&T run and targeted drug and alcohol support service

londonfriend.org.uk/get-support/drugsandalcohol – 020 7833 1674

South Camden Drugs Team

Individual and group sessions to help with alcohol and drugs issues

www.candi.nhs.uk/services/south-camden-drug-service– 020 7974 2915

Some sources of help if you're feeling unwell, stressed, or upset

Health	NHS CHOICES & NHS DIRECT High quality information about health conditions.	www.nhs.uk
		www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
	HELPGUIDE “Helps you to help yourself with health challenges”	www.helpguide.org
	PATIENT.CO.UK High quality information about health conditions	www.patient.co.uk/pils.asp
	MEDLINE PLUS High quality information about health conditions	www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
	FPA “Talking sense about sex”	www.fpa.org.uk
		0845 122 8690
	TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST Sexual health & HIV	www.tht.org.uk
		0808 802 1221
	MENINGITIS TRUST Students should be aware of meningitis symptoms	www.meningitis-trust.org
		0808 80 10 388
	ZAFASH 24-HR PHARMACY (24-7-365) 233-235 Old Brompton Road, London SW5 0EA	020 7373 2798
		www.zafash.com
Alcohol, drugs & smoking	DRINKAWARE Sensible drinking tips & help with alcohol problems	www.drinkaware.co.uk
	DRINK SMARTER Sensible drinking tips and help with alcohol problems	www.drinksmarter.org/drinkline
		0800 7 314 314
	CAMDEN ALCOHOL SERVICE Information & advice on alcohol related problems	http://bit.ly/XHnhCv
		020 3227 4950
	FOUNDATION 66 Individual sessions with people aged from 11-22 who have concerns about alcohol use	http://bit.ly/UspAf3
	LONDON FRIEND The UK’s only LGB&T run and targeted drug and alcohol support service	http://bit.ly/WZwFlN
	CAMDEN ALCOHOL SERVICE Information & advice on alcohol related problems	http://bit.ly/XHnhCv
	TALK TO FRANK  National Drugs Helpline	www.talktofrank.com  /  0800 77 66 00
	DRUGSLINE Support, counselling and information about drugs	www.drugsline.org
		0808 1 606 606
	SMOKEFREE NHS help to stop smoking	www.smokefree.nhs.uk
		0800 022 4 332
Mental wellbeing	SAMARITANS Talk things through with a trained volunteer on the phone, by text, or at their Central London branch (9am-9pm): 46 Marshall Street, London W1F 9BF Central London branch: www.cls.org.uk	08 457 90 90 90
		www.samaritans.org.uk
		Text: 07 725 90 90 90
		jo@samaritans.org.uk
	LONDON NIGHTLINE Student volunteers offering telephone support	020 7631 0101  / Skype: londonnightline
		www.nightline.org.uk
	THE MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION	www.mentalhealth.org.uk
	MIND Support for people with mental health problems	www.mind.org.uk
		0300 123 3393
	ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS	http://bit.ly/MHVyz5   (www.rcpsych.ac.uk)
	CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING MISERABLY	www.thecalmzone.net
	STUDENTS AGAINST DEPRESSION	www.studentsagainstdepression.org
	CENTRE FOR ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH	http://bit.ly/LGM7we
Eating disorder	B-EAT	www.b-eat.co.uk
	NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS ASSN	www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Help with alcohol & drug use concerns

Several recent incidents in the halls have provided harsh reminders of the serious and immediate risk to health and life that "recreational" drugs - including new psychoactive substances and herbal or "legal highs" - and/or excessive use of alcohol can pose to otherwise fit and well students. And of course there is also a good body of evidence showing the longer-term physical and mental health risks of regular use. So we are writing to remind you about the help that is available to safeguard you from alcohol- and drug-related harm.

Whilst the possession or use of illegal drugs is a disciplinary offence, our primary concern will always be for your safety and wellbeing. If you genuinely seek our help because you are worried about your use of alcohol or drugs, we will approach your concerns confidentially and non-judgmentally. We will seek to provide you with the support you need. If you are willing to accept professional help, in most cases we will not pursue disciplinary action. 

Similarly, if you are concerned about a friend's use of alcohol or drugs in the hall, you can tell us in confidence, without fear that you will get your friend in trouble. Telling us your concerns about a friend's use of alcohol or drugs could be the thing that saves their life. Please don't stand by and do nothing. 

Most importantly, if you or a friend become unwell after taking drugs, please get medical help (call 999 for an ambulance) and inform the front-desk security immediately. In a medical emergency our concern is always to ensure that the paramedics and doctors treating you know exactly what has happened and why, so please tell us the whole story. Your health and wellbeing always come first. 

So if you are concerned about any matter relating to alcohol or drug use in hall - your own or someone else's - make an appointment to speak in confidence with your Warden. 

English law places some requirements on us that mean we must use the disciplinary procedure in certain circumstances. These are: 

     1. If there is any evidence that a resident is supplying drugs to others. 

     2. If smoking drugs such as cannabis inside the Hall is causing a breach of the Health Act 2010. 

     3. If the use of drugs in the Hall causes risk to the safety of other residents, staff, or the public.


We will also use the disciplinary procedure if we find evidence of illegal drug use in your room but neither you nor a friend has come forward seeking help. It is too late to ask for our help after we have found evidence of drug use.

Links to sites providing information on alcohol and drug use disorder are provided below, with contact details for counselling and support services. Whilst we do wish to provide direct support these hopefully provide alternative avenues if you feel unable to contact anyone in hall. Whether hall staff or alternative support provision, please do seek professional help and do gain understanding of the risks you face.

EXTERNAL SOURCES OF HELP & ADVICE
Help with alcohol use concerns
DRINKAWARE: Sensible drinking tips & help with alcohol problems - www.drinkaware.co.uk 

DRINK SMARTER: Sensible drinking tips & help with alcohol problems - www.drinksmarter.org/drinkline - 0800 7 314 314 

CAMDEN ALCOHOL SERVICE: Individual and group counselling sessions and advice on alcohol related problems - http://bit.ly/XHnhCv - 020 3227 4950 

FOUNDATION 66: Individual sessions with people under 23 who have concerns about alcohol use - http://bit.ly/UspAf3  


Help with drug use concerns
VITAL INFORMATION PACK: Lots of information about drugs, including what first aid you should give if a friend gets unwell after using drugs - http://bit.ly/1cd2oYb  

DRUGS RECOGNITION & EMERGENCY FIRST AID: This leaflet will help you if you're worried about a friend who might be using drugs, and show you how to help them in an emergency - http://bit.ly/OpCfAq

TALK TO FRANK: The National Drugs Helpline - www.talktofrank.com - 0300 123 6600 - Text 82111

DRUGSLINE: Support, counselling and information about drugs - www.drugsline.org - 0808 1 606 606

LONDON FRIEND ANTIDOTE: The UK’s only LGB&T run and targeted drug and alcohol support service - http://bit.ly/WZwFlN - 020 7833 1674 

CAMDEN DRUGS & ALCOHOL ACTION TEAM: Individual and group sessions to help with alcohol and drugs issues - http://bit.ly/1bYrTlx - 020 7974 2915

Alcohol licensing and under-18s at Connaught Hall bar

This letter was sent to all residents aged under 18. All residents should note that it is also an offence to attempt to purchase alcohol for or on behalf of a person under 18. 

I am writing to you about the bar because you are aged under 18 years, which means that English law prohibits you from purchasing alcoholic drinks, and prohibits others from purchasing alcoholic drinks for you, on licensed premises including the bar here at Connaught Hall.

You are very welcome to use the bar to socialise, play pool, and buy soft drinks, but I must ask you not to attempt to buy alcohol there, nor ask your friends to buy alcohol for you, until you are 18.

The relevant law is the Licensing Act 2003, which includes these provisions:

146 Sale of alcohol to children

(1) A person commits an offence if he sells alcohol to an individual aged under 18. ...

149 Purchase of alcohol by or on behalf of children

(1) An individual aged under 18 commits an offence if — (a) he buys or attempts to buy alcohol, ...

(3) A person commits an offence if — 

(a) he buys or attempts to buy alcohol on behalf of an individual aged under 18, ...

You are committing a criminal offence if you try to buy alcoholic drinks from the bar. Your friends commit an offence if they try to buy alcohol for you. We commit an offence if we allow either sale to take place.

If the bar breaches these rules, it is very likely that it will be closed down – by the police, by the licensing authority, or by the University of London – all of whom have the right to inspect the bar at any time. We have been inspected three times in the last four years: so it really does happen.

Please do not put our bar at risk by attempting to purchase alcohol there. Photographs of all residents aged under 18 have been circulated to the bar staff and Senior Members, and they are very clearly instructed to refuse the sale, which may be embarrassing for both you and them. Regrettably, I must warn you that if you are found drinking alcohol within the bar area, you will be required to leave; a second offence will result in you being banned from the bar and formal disciplinary action being commenced under Schedule 3 of the Intercollegiate Halls Licence Agreement. Similar consequences will ensue if bar staff report to me that they frequently have to refuse you alcohol.

I am sorry to have to write to you so sternly within your first few weeks in Hall – but we have had some problems with underage residents recently when they were refused alcohol at the bar.

There is some good news, though: we will buy you and one friend a drink (bottle of beer or cider, 175mL glass of wine, or single spirit with mixer) on your eighteenth birthday! You simply have to visit the bar on the day of your birthday, with this letter, your passport or driving licence, and your friend.

Thank you for your help and understanding; and I hope you enjoy that drink!

Licensing & the bar - an appeal for your help

We have been a little more strict recently on enforcing the rules that alcoholic drinks that were not bought at the bar may not be consumed in the bar, Bell Room, or garden at certain times.

The Connaught Hall Supplementary Regulations state:

12.2 Only alcoholic beverages that have been purchased from the bar may be consumed in the bar, courtyard garden, and Bell Room between the hours of 19.00 and 23.00.

This rule is necessary to help us uphold our obligations under the Licensing Act 2003.

The reason we have tightened up recently is that a large number of trangressions of this rule were reported in the past few weeks, indicating that our reliance on residents' self-regulation was inadequate and that more rigorous enforcement was required.

As with any increased rule enforcement, this move has not been without critics. To those who are unhappy about this rule and the fact that it is now being enforced more stringently by bar staff and Senior Members, I should like to explain why it is so important - please scroll down below the sign to find out more...

I see our bar as an enormous asset for the Hall. It is a social hub and a venue that makes it possible for us to host parties that most other halls cannot contend with. I think our bar is one of the reasons that Connaught Hall is regarded as being amongst the most social halls of residence in London.

The fact that our bar is managed and staffed by students for the Residents' Club Committee gives it a sense of informality, familiarity, and homeliness; these are some of our bar's best attributes. But it is still a "real" bar, with a licence, subject to very strict controls under the Licensing Act 2003. Since the Act came into force in 2005, we have been inspected - without any advance notice - by the police and/or local authority licensing inspectors on average once every 18 months. If on one of these inspections we are found to be breaching the terms of our licence, we could be fined up to £20,000 or lose our licence altogether. The Club doesn't have £20,000, so either penalty would result in the permanent closure of our bar.

All eight intercollegiate halls used to have a bar. In the last few years, six of them have been shut down. Of the two left, one is open only a few times a month; ours is the only proper bar left.

So, in enforcing these rules that help us to do what the Licensing Act tells us we must do, my aim is to protect and preserve our bar now and for the future. My hope is not to kill the community atmosphere of the bar, or put a downer on everyone's enjoyment of that space: my goal is to ensure that current and future residents continue to have a bar that is a vibrant and friendly hub for our Hall community.

I hope all residents can share my aspiration and help us work towards it.

Stay safe and fit when you drink

This information is coped from the DrinkAware website: http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-and-you/students/students.


University can be the best years of your life, made up of a whirlwind of parties, fun and some studying thrown in.

Alcohol often ends up being a big part of the experience too. The freedom of being away from home combined with lots of socialising means many students drink heavily.

It can be difficult to balance out a social life with essays, coursework and exams, and students often feel like they're burning the candle at both ends. As with everything at university, there's a balance to be struck. While moderate amounts of alcohol can play a part in the good times, when consumed in excessive amounts it can have a negative effect on work and could lead to unexpected and unwanted consequences.

Overview

Student life is frequently portrayed in the media and popular culture as one big party. From the mayhem of freshers' week through to the celebratory graduation ball, alcohol seems to have become synonymous with university; sadly it is now as ingrained in university culture as going to lectures and joining societies. Research shows that over half (52%) of male students and nearly half (43%) of female students drink more than the government's daily unit guidelines (3-4 units a day for men and 2-3 for women).

With cheap deals on alcohol in student unions and deals aimed at students in other bars, cost isn’t much of a barrier to drinking at university. And with those deals extending to weeknights, students can often go out anytime and drink cheaply. However, spending does add up - The National Union of Students estimates that the average student spends £675 a year on socialising.

Of course drinking at university can be fun, especially when handled sensibly, but it's not essential to enjoy the experience of student life. It might help ease those initial nerves of meeting new people, but drinking your body weight in cider is not necessarily an essential initiation into university life.

Caught up in the excitement of a night out, how you might feel the next day is often the furthest thing from your mind, but writing an essay or revising for an exam is difficult enough without the extra pressure of a hangover dulling your concentration and motivation.

Drinking too much could also lead to taking unnecessary risks with your personal safety, like taking an unlicensed taxi or walking home alone. Being drunk can increase your chances of getting into trouble when you're out. The British Crime Survey 2008 revealed that students have the highest risk of being a victim of violent crime compared with other occupations. The soundest piece of advice to help you avoid potentially risky situations is to keep an eye on your mates and try to stick within the government's daily unit guidelines.

Health risks

No-one expects students to be "tea" total.

Indeed, student life wouldn't be student life without a few trips to the Union. But to make the most out of your student experience, isn't it worth at least balancing the benefits and risks?

For example, Drinking above the Government's daily unit guidelines can damage your health in the short and long-term, not to mention the potential impact on your academic performance.

In the short term, drinking too much in one evening can cause all sorts of problems and if you drink really heavily it can lead to alcohol poisoning and even a spell in hospital. In the long term, heavy drinkers are at risk of liver disease, cancer and stroke and mental health problems like depression. University is tough enough without alcohol making you feel down too.

Drink too much at uni, and you might also experience the phenomenon of the "Freshers' 14". Students reckon they put on 14 pounds in weight when they start uni thanks to all the calories in alcohol and fast food.

Did you know there were there are 130 calories in a medium (175ml) glass of wine, and around 200 in a standard pint of beer?

Tips for smarter drinking

Remember, you don't have to drink to have a great night out. Find an activity or join a society that doesn't revolve around drinking. For example, joining a drama society could mean spending your evenings down the local theatre instead of the pub: a great alternative.
If you know you are going to be drinking alcohol make sure you eat something first to line your stomach.

Drink plenty of water and soft drinks throughout the night to keep hydrated and slow down your drinking. Perhaps you could have a soft drink after every alcoholic one?

Don't drink every day. If you've had a heavy session, give your liver a break and take a couple of days off the booze.

Decide on a budget before you go out to avoid being tempted to overspend on cheap drinks. Or only take cash and leave your bank card at home.

Always plan how you'll get home from a night out and never walk home by yourself. Stick with your mates and split the cost of a taxi from a reputable firm.

Watch out for drink spiking. Keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended. Be careful if accepting drinks from strangers.

Help protect yourself from drink spiking

This is a re-post from February 2012:

There have been several reports recently of students’ drinks being “spiked” by the addition of hypnotic drugs to the drink that can cause severe drowsiness and amnesia. Incidents have been alleged in local clubs and bars popular with students, venues in west London, and in one case inside one of the intercollegiate halls.

Fortunately, in those cases reported by residents in the intercollegiate halls, no one has been harmed and nothing bad has happened to them whilst they were under the influence of the hypnotic drug; but drink spiking is sometimes a technique used by criminals who may abduct, rob, or assault their victim whilst they are drowsy and leave the victim with no memory of what happened.

Drink spiking is still a rare occurrence. But you can protect yourself and your friends from becoming victims by being aware of the risks and following the advice below.

· Keep your drink in your hand instead of on a surface.
· Consider sticking to bottled drinks and holding your thumb over the opening between sips.
· Keep an eye on your friends' drinks.
· Never leave your drink unattended.
· Never accept a drink from anyone you don't know or trust.
· Never take a drink from a jug or bottle that is left out on the bar.
· Don't share or exchange drinks, or drink leftover drinks.
· When possible, drink from a bottle rather than a glass because it is more difficult to spike a drink in a bottle.
· Stay away from situations that you do not feel comfortable with.
· If you go on a date with someone you don't know, tell a friend or relative where you will be and what time you will be back.
· Don't give away too much information to anyone you have just met, such as your address.
· If you suspect your drink may have been spiked:
o Tell someone you trust – in Hall this should be the Duty Senior Member; outside, it might be the pub landlord, bar manager, or a close friend.
o If you feel unwell, someone you trust should take you to A&E at the nearest hospital and tell the medical staff that you think your drink has been spiked.
o Report it to the police as soon as you can. They will need to take blood and urine samples. Most drugs leave the body within 72 hours of being taken (the date-rape drug GHB leaves the body within 12 hours), so it's important to be tested as soon as possible.

Once again, please be reassured that in the cases reported by intercollegiate halls residents, no one has been harmed. But we do advise you to take the steps above to protect yourself from possible drink spinking.

Please share any information you have about drink spiking in local venues so we can build up an idea of where this is taking place and help protect other students: report any incidents to the police immediately and to me at the next opportunity.

The Senior Members and I are available in Hall as always to discuss any concerns you might have about this or any other issues.

Weekend round-up

1. Televisions / common rooms / sofas

The TV in the Bamforth Room has good reception of BBC ONE via the FreeSat receiver. Put the TV on AV input 2 and use the EPG on the FreeSat box to find one of the BBC ONE channels with a good picture.

The TV in the Bell Room has good reception of ITV1 through the terrestrial aerial. Select P3.

I have asked for a TV engineer to be called out to get all channels working on both TVs again.

During this term the Hall will buy some new sofas for reception and the sofas currently in reception will be moved to the common rooms. We also have some more comfortable chairs coming this week for the Bell Room.


2. Drinking water

The water fountains were removed from reception and the dining hall on Friday. I have asked the kitchen to put out jugs of water at meal times, and will find out about replacing the water fountains this week.


3. The garden / smoking / drinking alcohol

Please remember that smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking area, not in the rest of the garden. Smoking too close to the building or under the shelter outside the bar causes smoke to go into rooms facing the garden, which isn't very nice for non-smokers!

The Supplementary Regulations also say that only alcohol bought from the Hall bar may be consumed in the garden and Bell Room from 19.00 to 23.00. This is a licensing issue; breaking this rule could lead to the licence being revoked for our bar.


4. Newspapers

Traditionally, the Club subscribes to a number of daily newspapers which are placed the reception lobby for residents to read. At present, the Club has insufficient cash funds available to pay these subscriptions for September and early October.

Newspapers will be re-started when the Club receives this term's instalment of £10/resident/term subscriptions from the Bursar's Office.


5. Fire drill

There will be a fire drill on Monday evening.

When you hear the fire alarm:

• Evacuate the building immediately.
• Close all doors and windows behind you.
• Leave by the shortest route.
• Do not use the lift.
• Assemble on the pavement opposite the Hall.

Follow the green exit signs to find your nearest escape route (not necessarily via the main stairs/reception). Hall staff will help you.

Remember it is possible that there may be a real fire alarm on the day, so for your own safety never ignore the alarm because you assume it is a drill.

It is a condition of residence that you participate in fire drills. If the total evacuation time is too long, more drills will be held over the next few weeks – so don’t let everyone else down!

Please contact me or the Bursar’s Office if you may need assistance to evacuate the building.


6. Events next week

Tue 04/10 - Welcome buffet 6-7pm in the dining hall

Wed 05/10 - Floor party for fourth floor, hosted by John

Thu 06/10 - Floor party for third floor, hosted by Alyson

Fri 07/10 - Floor party for first floor, hosted by Zack

Sat 08/10 - Welcome party 8pm-2am in the bar

Sun 09/10 - Postgraduate reception (second floor), hosted by Tom

Mon 10/10 - Floor party for ground & lower-ground floors and second-floor undergraduates, hosted by Ilk