British Science Week: Developing Experts welcomes The Matthew Project to the platform

Developing Experts was delighted to welcome three substance misuse workers from The Matthew Project to our offices today for filming.

The Matthew Project is a charity, based in Norwich, which supports children and adults in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex who have issues around substance misuse and wellbeing.  They provide high quality, effective services for both prevention and recovery, and have supported many young people on the road to recovery, allowing them the chance to thrive.

With over 1500 people supported each year, 30+ years of experience and over 60 staff from many different backgrounds, charities such as The Matthew Project are vital in supporting those affected by drug misuse.  They also go in to schools to support both individuals and groups of young people, advising them about drugs and substance misuse.

Here at Developing Experts, we really value the work that charities like The Matthew Project undertake to support people in our region.  To help promote the work they do, and to ensure the key messages about drug misuse are included on our learning platform, we invited them to our studio for fifteen separate films.

Ellie, Colin and Luke discussed issues such as addiction, the risks of taking drugs and how people other than the user are affected by drug misuse.  They also explained the effects of different types of drugs, such as depressants, opiates and solvents.  Speaking honestly and openly about drugs and the effects of them is vital for informing and educating young people on the dangers and risks of taking drugs, should this be a choice they make.

The films will be appearing in our Key Stage 3 and 4 science curriculum, with questions on the short and long term effects of drugs being a component of GCSE biology papers.

Our thanks to Ellie Coulson, Colin Desmond and Luke Adcock from The Matthew Project, who talked expertly, using their knowledge of substance misuse, but also their clear passion for turning around the lives of young people. 

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Developing Experts has made a donation to The Matthew Project to thank them for their support in filming with us.  They rely heavily on charitable donations to support the work they’re doing.  To make a donation to The Matthew Project click here