- Support for Young People Affected by Drugs or AlcoholWe offer free, confidential support to young people aged 10–17, as well as those in the transitional age group of 18–29, who are affected by drug or alcohol use. Whether you’re looking to stop, cut down, or simply learn more, we work alongside you to set and achieve your personal goals.Our experienced substance misuse workers provide a young person-led service, tailored to your needs. As an outreach service, we can meet you wherever feels safe and convenient—whether that’s at school, college, home, a community space, or another location you’re comfortable with.In addition to direct support, we also offer training and educational sessions for professionals working with young people. These sessions are designed to build confidence and equip staff with the tools they need to identify and respond to substance-related concerns effectively.
Together, we can create a safe and informed environment where young people feel empowered to make positive choices.
How We Can Support You
With the right support, staying safe and becoming drug-free is absolutely possible. We’re here to help you—and your family—every step of the way. Our goal is to raise awareness around substance use and offer practical, confidential support tailored to your needs.
Our free services include:
- One-to-one support – Personalised sessions with experienced workers
- Group activities – Peer-based sessions focused on connection and learning
- Telephone or virtual support – Flexible options to suit your schedule
- NEET support – Help for those not in education, employment, or training
- Sexual health advice – Information and access to resources
- Diversionary activities, education & advice – Safe, engaging alternatives to substance use
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through this without support.
If you’re aged 18–29 and struggling with addiction, we offer dedicated support groups for you to attend, where you can connect with others who share similar experiences. These groups provide a safe space to build new friendships, share your story, and offer support to one another.
Our groups are held at 25 Weston Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1AS, and are completely free for you to join. It’s a great opportunity to gain strength from others and take part in a community of people who understand what you’re going through.
Current groups available:
- Young adults evening group – Every Tuesday, 5:45-6:45.
- Talk and Support – Every Friday 12:00-1:00.
Hidden Harm
At Southend YP Services, we also provide Hidden Harm support for children and young people who are affected by living with a family member struggling with drug or alcohol misuse. Hidden Harm refers to the often unseen or unrecognised impact that children and young people face when a parent, carer, or sibling is dealing with substance misuse.
The challenges experienced by young people in these situations can be difficult to identify, but we are here to help them understand and address the harm they may be facing. Our support is designed to ensure that these young people are recognised, heard, and given the help they need to stay safe and thrive.
Hidden harm support available to you:
- One to one confidential support
- Basic drug awareness
- Sessions to build on your confidence and self-esteem.
- Emotional Support
- Diversionary Activities.
All sessions are tailored to your personal circumstances. We will meet you in a place where you feel most comfortable to freely talk. This can include:
- Your home address.
- At school.
- In the community
Family Support
We understand that addiction doesn’t only affect the individual—it impacts families, friends, and entire communities. If you are a family member aged 18 or over, and you’re struggling with the effects of a loved one’s addiction, we are here to offer support.
You don’t have to face this alone. We provide confidential, compassionate assistance to help you navigate the challenges addiction brings to your family.
Family Support available to you:
- One to One confidential support.
- Wellbeing and relaxation guidance.
- Drug information.
- Addiction Awareness.
- Group support.
Learning that a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug use can be incredibly difficult for everyone involved. However, the care, compassion, and support you provide can make a huge difference in their journey. Your understanding and encouragement can give them the confidence and motivation they need to take the important steps toward recovery.
🎥 We’ve launched our very own TikTok page!
Based on feedback from our clients, we know TikTok is a key platform for young people, and we’re hoping to use it to connect and educate our age groups. Our first three post features a powerful recovery story from our amazing recovery worker, Jess. We’ll also be sharing educational content and gathering young people’s views on substance misuse.
👉 Check out our page here: https://www.tiktok.com/@openroadsouthend?_t=ZN-8x8arJL7TVe&_r=1
Or you can search for us on Tik Tok; our username is @OpenRoadSouthend
Please give us a follow, watch our videos, and don’t forget to like, share, and save our content to help boost its reach!
📰 We’ve also launched our first magazine! 
It’s packed with useful information, as well as stories and artwork from our clients, staff, and volunteers. We’re incredibly proud of the creativity and effort that’s gone into it.
Have a read and feel free to share it with others who might find it helpful.
Peer-to-Peer Support for Families
We understand that navigating the challenges of a loved one’s addiction can feel isolating. That’s why we offer peer-to-peer support for families—providing a space for you to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Our informal coffee mornings offer a safe, welcoming environment to talk, share, and remind you that you’re not alone.
Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through is crucial for your well-being. These coffee mornings are a great opportunity to build new connections and find the support you need during difficult times.
Our current coffee mornings are held at:
25 Weston Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1AS
Every first and third Wednesday of the month
10:00am – 12:00 noon
There’s no need to book in advance—just come along and join us!
Information for parents and carers and professionals
If you’re a parent, carer, or professional and you need advice or info, please email us on: info@openroad.org.uk
To make a referral
Professionals can complete the attached referral form and send it to Southend.YPreferral@openroad.org.uk. If you have a secure email you can send it to Southend.YP@openroad.cjsm.net (secure email, can only accept CJSM/NHS.net and other government secure emails).
If you want to refer yourself or you are a parent/carer for an under 18, you can complete the online referral form on our website under Support, alternatively, you can contact us on 01702 431889.
