Accrington Stanley Community Trust recently welcomed around 25 young people to Stanley Sports Hub for a dedicated drug and alcohol awareness event, delivered in partnership with We Are With You.
Many of the attendees are currently engaged in the Trust’s Accrington Champions targeted mentoring programme — a programme designed to support young people who may be vulnerable or facing additional challenges.
The event was created in response to growing concerns around the risks of substance misuse and the potential link to county lines and criminal exploitation. As a community-focused charity working closely with young people across the area, the Trust is committed to providing early intervention, accurate information and safe spaces where honest conversations can take place.
The day featured an interactive workshop delivered by We Are With You, exploring substances including ketamine, synthetic cannabinoids (Spice), and vapes. The session provided clear, factual information about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol, alongside powerful insight into exploitation and how young people can access support services.
For many attendees, this was an opportunity to engage with support in an environment where they felt comfortable and supported.
Following the workshop, young people took part in informal games alongside first-team players from Accrington Stanley Football Club, including pool, darts and card games. These relaxed activities helped build confidence, strengthen positive relationships and reinforce the importance of trusted adults and role models.
The event concluded with a shared lunch, allowing further time for open conversations between young people, mentors and support professionals. Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Kim Whitehead attended the event, highlighting the importance of partnership working in safeguarding young people. The initiative forms part of wider work supported through the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network to reduce harm and strengthen early intervention across communities.
For Accrington Stanley Community Trust, the focus remains clear: providing young people with the knowledge, support and positive influences they need to make informed choices and build safer futures.