Substance Use & Alcohol Policy

Organisation: Think Cre8tive Group CIC

Date Adopted: 1 October 2025

Review Date: 1 October 2026

Responsible Officer: CEO / Health & Safety Lead

1. Policy Statement

Think Cre8tive Group CIC is committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and professional environment in all our activities. The misuse of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, compromise safety, and negatively affect participants’ wellbeing. Therefore, we have a zero-tolerance approach to illegal drug use and a strict policy regarding alcohol and substance use.

2. Purpose

This policy ensures:

  • The safety and wellbeing of all participants, staff, and volunteers.
  • Compliance with health & safety regulations and safeguarding responsibilities.
  • A clear framework for responding to concerns about alcohol or substance use.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, facilitators, volunteers, and contractors.
  • All programme participants (including care home residents, Singing Club members, training attendees).
  • All venues and activities, including community, care home, and online delivery.

4. Principles

  • Zero tolerance for the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs in any Think Cre8tive Group activity.
  • No alcohol consumption before or during programme delivery, rehearsals, or training.
  • Prescription medication must be used responsibly and only as directed.
  • Supportive approach – participants affected by substance misuse will be signposted to appropriate support services rather than stigmatised.

5. Responsibilities

Staff, Facilitators & Volunteers

  • Must not attend sessions under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or misused medication.
  • Must model safe and healthy behaviours.
  • Must report any safeguarding concerns linked to substance misuse.

Participants

  • Must not attend sessions under the influence of alcohol or drugs if this poses a risk to themselves or others.
  • May be asked to leave if their behaviour disrupts the group or compromises safety.

Management

  • Will provide training and guidance on responding to substance misuse issues.
  • Will ensure all incidents are logged and safeguarding procedures followed if appropriate.

6. Responding to Concerns

  1. Immediate risk – If a participant poses danger to themselves or others, staff must call 999 and alert the venue manager.
  2. Non-urgent concern – Report to the Safeguarding Lead using the incident reporting procedure.
  3. Confidentiality – Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis in line with safeguarding and GDPR policies.
  4. Signposting – Where appropriate, participants will be referred to local health or support services (e.g. NHS, local drug & alcohol services).

7. Events & Social Gatherings

  • Alcohol may be present at external or partner events, but moderation and professionalism are expected at all times.
  • Staff and volunteers remain responsible for safeguarding duties, even at social events.

8. Monitoring & Review

  • This policy will be reviewed annually.
  • All incidents will be logged and analysed to inform safer practice.

9. Related Policies

  • Safeguarding Adults & Children Policy
  • Health & Safety Policy
  • Wellbeing & Mental Health Policy
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Data Protection & GDPR Policy
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