Introduction
The University of Bath is committed to supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our student community. We recognise that some students may use drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons. When our students reach out to our support services, rather than judge or punish, our aim is to reduce harm through a compassionate, evidence-informed, focused on each person’s needs.
We acknowledge the reality of substance use in wider society, including at universities, and are committed to creating an environment where students feel safe to seek support, access accurate information, and make informed choices about their wellbeing.
Our Harm Reduction Commitment
Our harm reduction approach is rooted in care, trust, and accountability. It prioritises:
- Minimising the physical, emotional and social harms linked to alcohol and other drugs;
- Equipping students with the tools, knowledge and support they need to stay safer;
- Recognising substance use as a health and wellbeing matter, not just a disciplinary one;
- Responding proportionately to risk, with appropriate support and intervention where needed.
Support and Access to Help
We understand that experiences with alcohol and other drugs are diverse and personal. Whether you want to talk, reduce your use, stay safer, or make a change - support is available. You will be treated with dignity, respect, and without judgment.
Support includes:
- Wellbeing and Counselling Services: A safe space to explore concerns in confidence.
- Student Support & Safeguarding Team: Specialist advice and structured help when substance use affects your studies or safety.
- Local and National Services: We’ll help connect you with expert organisations, including local NHS drug and alcohol services and trusted harm reduction charities.
- Practical Resources: Information, safety guidance, and (where appropriate) access to drug testing kits or peer-informed materials.
When students seek help from Student Support, no information about personal drug use shared with these services will be passed to Campus Security or the police, unless there is a serious and immediate risk to safety.
Support is also available for those who are negatively impacted by or concerned about others’ drug use.
Education and Empowerment
We believe that students are best supported through open dialogue and trusted information. Our approach includes:
- Workshops and Campaigns: Focused on safety, wellbeing, consent, and peer support.
- Targeted Outreach: Engaging students most at risk through collaborative and inclusive work with the SU, peer networks, and academic departments.
- Ongoing Learning: We continue to evolve our strategy in line with national best practice and the lived experiences of our students.
We recognise the importance of education and communication being credible and relatable and will work closely with our SU and local drugs and alcohol services in this area. Communications will start at Welcome and continue regularly.
A Proportionate and Supportive Approach to Risk
Students are encouraged to speak to support services, including about past or current drug use. Accessing help is treated as a wellbeing matter - not a disciplinary one - and our focus is on working with you to reduce harm and support your safety.
However, where a student’s behaviour poses a serious risk to themselves or others - such as in cases involving supply, safeguarding concerns, or the impact on regulated professions - the University will need to take proportionate action. In such cases, we will always aim to balance accountability with care, and ensure you are supported throughout any process.
Legal and Professional Considerations
We will always meet our legal responsibilities, including in cases involving criminal activity or where students are on professional or regulated programmes (e.g. Fitness to Practise). We will act transparently and sensitively, ensuring students understand their rights and have access to support throughout any related process, including our disciplinary processes.
Working Together
Our harm reduction strategy is a joint effort between the University, the Students' Union, student support services, local health providers and harm reduction charities. We are committed to listening, learning, and evolving together to build a compassionate culture that puts wellbeing first.
Conclusion
The University of Bath is dedicated to creating a community where students can be open about their experiences and seek help without fear or stigma. Through a harm reduction approach, we aim to reduce risk, empower choice, and ensure no student feels alone in navigating these challenges.