Officer Leads:
Sharanya Sivarajah - President
Welcome to Help Not Harm, a harm reduction campaign lead by President, Sharanya Sivarajah, dedicated to promoting safety, health, and dignity for individuals navigating substance use and risky behaviours. Our mission is to minimize harm through practical, compassionate approaches that put people first, offering non-judgmental support and lifesaving resources.
Royal Holloway Students’ Union, alongside Royal Holloway University have adopted a Harm Reduction initiative for students at Royal Holloway University. We appreciate that drugs are illegal, however if you are a student at RHUL, and you are considering taking drugs, we advise you to do so safely. Harm reduction is about helping, not hurting, and we aim to provide the tools, education, and services necessary to empower individuals to make safer choices and access the support they deserve.
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction focuses on reducing the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with substance use, without requiring abstinence. It’s an evidence-based approach that meets people where they are, offering strategies to reduce risk while respecting individual choices.
Key Principles of Harm Reduction:
Sharanya, SU President, is working with Key Stakeholders within the university to ensure that Royal Holloway’s Policy around Drugs and Substance abuse is that of a Harm Reduction approach. This includes, updating the Drugs and Alcohol policy and ensuring that services within the university are able to support students who are struggling or in need of assistance. She is also launching the HelpNotHarm Campaign with resources, interactive events and advice to support students.
The Advice Centre, based on the first floor of the Students Union, welcomes students that want to collect a drug-testing kit. Student Advice is a confidential service that is independent from the University. We will not share information of your enquiry with the University without your consent unless we had reason to be concerned for your immediate safety. If you would like to collect a drug-testing kit, please approach our enquiry desk for a “Testing Kit” and we will take it from there. If we understand that you are seeking a drug-testing kit,at no point will your contact details be taken or recorded. We are not interested in policing your behaviour, but we are interested in keeping you safe.
If you are seeking advice on your wellbeing as a result of drug usage, we would be happy to signpost you to services to support your wellbeing and/or to help you find services that might be more appropriate to answer any specific questions.
Please do not bring illegal substances into the building. You will be required to take the testing kit away with you for use in your own home.
The Help Not Harm initiative at Royal Holloway SU is designed to provide support without judgment. Whether you have a question, need supplies, or want to talk about your experiences, we're here for you. Our services include:
- Free Naloxone kits
- Advice on safer drug use and alcohol consumption
- Free condoms and sexual health resources
- Referrals to specialist support and counselling services
Need Help?
If you’re struggling with substance, use or just need advice, you can contact the RHSU Advice Centre. Our advisors offer confidential, free support and can help you access the services you need. Contact Us:
- Email: advice@su.rhul.ac.uk
- Phone: 01784 276700
- Location: RHSU Advice Centre, Royal Holloway, University of London
You can also reach out to Royal Holloway’s Wellbeing team for additional support.
Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care (SDAC): Non-judgemental support and counselling for Surrey
Talk to Frank: Nationwide drug information and advice.
NHS Alcohol Advice: Tips for reducing alcohol consumption.
Release: Drugs, the law, and your rights
Drinkaware: Know your alcohol limits and stay safe.
Q: Will I get in trouble if I ask for help about drugs?
A: Nope! We’re here to support, not punish. If you’re struggling, reaching out is the best thing you can do.
Q: What should I do if I think someone has spiked my drink?
A: Tell security or a friend ASAP and seek medical attention. You won’t be in trouble for coming forward. VP Wellbeing and Diversity is running an SOS: Stamp Out Spiking this year, find out more here.
Q: Can I get in trouble for using drugs at Royal Holloway?
A: Using drugs on campus can lead to disciplinary action, but our priority is keeping you safe. If you’re worried about your substance use, we can help before things escalate.
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