Get Addiction Help (888) 804-0917

About Us

What Is The Drug Education Forum

The Drug Education Forum is a forum of national organisations committed to improving the practice and profile of drug education in England. We hope this website contributes to that aim.

We believe that drug education should help children and young people develop their knowledge about drugs, their skills in taking decisions, and to develop a positive attitude towards their own health.

Drug education mustn’t be a subject just for schools or the youth service. Evidence suggests that parents and carers who talk to their children regularly about drugs, alcohol and tobacco have a beneficial effect. Basic knowledge about drugs and their effects, for example – how long does THC stay in your hair, is crucial.

Background

The Drug Education Forum was established in 1995 by a range of organisations that felt that there needed to be an independent voice for drug education in England.

From 1995 until 2002, the National Children’s Bureau hosted the Forum. After that, we moved to Mentor UK and their facilities.

The Forum tries to influence public policy and to disseminate the best research on what is effective in drug education.  We produce easily digestible briefings for our members – and a wider audience – and respond to consultations on policy.

Membership

Membership of the Forum is open to any national organisation that has an interest in the delivery of effective drug education in England and who shares our statement of beliefs.  To find out more about joining the Forum, read our statements and contact information.

Current members include major children’s and drug charities, national independent providers and health educators, teaching, nursing and youth service unions, the police and local government. A full list of members can be found in the sidebar to the right.

Meetings

The Forum meets at least three times a year.  Meetings are open to members of the Forum and members of our sister organisation the Drug Education Practitioners Forum.

The meetings are an opportunity to discuss drug policy with senior policy makers, share good practice and new research. Also, every person and organisation can learn more about the work of our members. These meetings are useful and popular among forum members.

Governance

The Forum has a constitution which is available on request. We created it to set our goals, vision and mission for the future.

The Forum elects an Advisory Group from amongst the membership every two years. This group overseas the work of the coordinator. Also, it takes a leading role in developing the work plan and representing the Forum to wider audiences.

To find out more about the role of the advisory group its current membership, go to this page on www.drugeducationforum.com.

Drug Education Forum