HowzThat1

⭐️ More brilliant feedback coming in ⭐️

Really proud to be receiving such positive reviews from student social workers who attended my CPD-accredited Substance Use Awareness Training at the University of Essex.

Sessions like this are designed to be interactive, honest, and grounded in real-world practice — not just theory. Hearing that participants feel better equipped, more confident, and able to apply the learning directly to their practice is exactly why I do this work.

A big thank you to everyone who engaged so openly, asked thoughtful questions, and shared reflections. You’re stepping into a tough but vital profession — and the fact you’re already investing in your learning says a lot.

Onwards and upwards 🚀

Want to know more about what HowzThat1 delivers in schools? Visit the HowzThat1 website: Www.Howzthat1.com

Drug Education London | Drugs & Alcohol Workshops | Howzthat1 Howzthat1 gives you key information around the effects of substance use and the associated risks and harm reduction advice to reduce harms of substance use through drugs education by delivering engaging workshops in schools and other youth provisions. HowzThat1 also delivers professional CPD accredi...

https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/692328418fd3144ea427e6b3😊 Always good to see lovely and positive feedback from people who attended my training.

ad gave HowzThat1 5 stars. Check out the full review... Having David Dunkley as a guest speaker was great. The lecture was very informative and very en ...

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of delivering my Substance Use Awareness training to another brilliant cohort of student social workers at the University of Essex. Big thank you to Jonathan S for bringing me back once again, it genuinely means a lot to be trusted to help shape the next generation coming into this profession.

One of the things I really value about working with student social workers is their openness. They’re at that stage where every new insight becomes part of the foundation they’ll rely on when they step into practice. And substance use — especially in young people and within families, is one of those areas where early understanding makes a massive difference.

This training isn’t just about substances themselves. It’s about the real-world context that young people and families are navigating. We explore:
🟣 Hidden harms – the subtle, often missed signs of parental or adolescent substance use that can quietly shape a child’s emotional, developmental, and physical world long before a crisis appears.
🟣 Protective factors – the strengths and stabilisers around a child that can reduce risk. Students learn how to spot them, strengthen them, and use them proactively to keep a young person safe.
🟣 Decision-making in safeguarding – understanding the “why” behind behaviours helps social workers make better, more compassionate and more informed decisions. Recognising the link between substance use, trauma, mental health, and family dynamics is crucial.

🟣 Professional confidence – a lot of the feedback I get highlights how eye-opening the session is. Students often tell me it helps them feel more equipped to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and hold safer, more honest conversations with young people and parents.

For many, it’s the first time they’ve had a chance to look beyond stereotypes and really examine how substance use plays out in everyday life, not just in high-risk scenarios but in quiet, hidden ways that professionals can easily overlook.

I’m genuinely grateful for the positive feedback the group shared this week. Hearing that the session helped them feel more aware, more prepared, and more confident is exactly why I keep doing this work. These students are stepping into a tough but incredibly important profession. If I can help sharpen their lens even slightly, so they recognise risk earlier, strengthen protective factors faster, and support families more effectively, then the training has done its job.

Here’s to supporting the next wave of social workers and giving them the tools they need to safeguard young people with insight, empathy, and confidence.

I always love delivering my training to student social workers, both at the University of Greenwich as well as the University of Essex. Always great to see the feedback given by both students and by the lecturers. Really looking forward to coming back next year!

A brilliant start to the week!
For the past 3 years, I’ve had the privilege of delivering my CPD-accredited Substance Use Awareness Training to BA student social workers at the University of Essex. The feedback from both the students and the lecturers, especially Jonathan Stringer, who first brought me in has always been incredibly positive!

Today I had a really productive meeting with Kathryn Chard, who leads the MA Social Work programme. She’s now looking to book me in for several other training skills sessions next year (likely October/November) and will be sharing my work with her colleagues across the department.

I’m genuinely buzzing about this.
Helping future social workers build confidence in talking about substance use, challenging stigma, and understanding real-world risks is exactly why I deliver this training. Their curiosity and engagement make the sessions powerful every single time.
Excited to work with a new cohort next year and continue this brilliant partnership with the University of Essex.
I have been very fortunate to deliver my training to students at both the University of Essex and the University of Greenwich.


If you’d like this training / workshops for your team or school /organisation:
🌐 www.HowzThat1.com
📧 [email protected]

Ketamine isn’t the “chilled party drug” people make it out to be.
Young people are getting caught out — fast.

⚠️ Bladder damage
⚠️ Blackouts + memory gaps
⚠️ Dangerous with alcohol
⚠️ Dependence
⚠️ Mental health impact

There is no point telling young people don't use drugs, that approach will never work. We need to educate young people about the facts, the effects, the risks and the consequences. It's then, that they are in a better place to make an informed decision in order to protect their own wellbeing.

Schools, colleges, and organisations: if you want straight, honest sessions that actually land with young people — we deliver them.

🌐 www.HowzThat1.com
📩 [email protected]
DM to book.

I have been warning both schools n young people/children about an increase in the substance called SPICE being used in so-called Cannabis or otherwise known as THC Vapes!

TikTok · Sky News 6682 likes, 173 comments. “Sky's investigates the rise in children gaining access to 'spice' through v**e sales - and uncovered the social media accounts selling the illegal prison drug.”

Ketamine: conversations that protect young people.

There’s growing concern about ketamine use across parts of the UK. The most effective response isn’t fear—it’s education, safe dialogue, and clear support pathways. What works:
Evidence-based PSHE: plain-language risks (including bladder/kidney harm and cognitive impact), the dangers of mixing substances, consent, and first-aid awareness. Informal small groups: psychologically safe spaces, anonymous questions, scenario-based activities that correct peer‐norms and build decision-making skills.

Parents & carers: practical briefings on early warning signs, how to start non-judgemental conversations, and where to get help.
Safeguarding first: ensure DSL pathways are clear; record and escalate concerns appropriately. Signpost to the GP, school nurse, local young people’s substance use services and FRANK (nhs.uk/LiveWell).

At HowzThat1, we deliver student workshops, CPD-accredited safeguarding training, and parent briefings tailored to your context. 📩 DM “INFO” for outlines, dates, and impact measures.

Is caffeine pouches about to be the next big thing in the UK?!

Check out Channel 4 News's video!

TikTok · Channel 4 News 125 likes, 6 comments. “These caffeine pouches are one of the latest trends sweeping across social media in the US and now taking a hold on the UK - so what are they exactly?”

Can you believe that there are several local newsagents still selling disposable v**es?!

TikTok · The News Movement 8318 likes, 109 comments. “*For News Purposes Only* 🚨TNM Exclusive 🚨 40% of shops sold us illeg@l disposable vap3s. We approached the Home Office who told us that “single-use vap3s get kids hooked on nicot!ne and blight our high streets – it’s why we’ve taken tough action and banned ...

Always a pleasure to receive positive feedback from partnership with schools / Academies.