The University’s commitment to support students’ health to get the most out of their studies received official confirmation this week.
University of Northampton’s harm reduction campus approach has been endorsed by SOS-UK (Students Organising for Sustainability) at their recent Student Drug and Alcohol Conference.
SOS-UK’s Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation programme helps universities and students’ unions work together to promote safer, healthier student communities through harm reduction approaches to substance use.
Accepting the accreditation were Associate Professor in Psychology, Dr Kimberley Hill, and University of Northampton Students’ Union’s Deputy CEO, Rosie Harvey, who also gave talks about their respective work to develop and promote an alcohol and drug-safe campus.
The stereotype of students being predominantly focused on alcohol and partying as a part of the university experience has majorly shifted within recent years.
Figures from SOS-UK (2024-2025) show a steady decline in the numbers of university students who drink frequently or even at all:
- Only 41% of UK university students drink alcohol once a week or more.
- Over a quarter (25%+) are non-drinkers.
- 78% feel they do not need to get drunk to enjoy nights out, showing a shift toward moderation.
The reasons cited include wanting to save money, prioritising their mental and physical health and academic studies and research (some conducted at UON) and more universities adopting a harm reduction culture.
Associate Professor Dr Kimberley Hill (pictured on the right) said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive SOS‑UK’s Drug and Alcohol Impact Accreditation. It recognises the work we’ve done to embed a compassionate, evidence‑based harm reduction approach across the University of Northampton. This achievement reflects a genuine partnership between the University, the Students’ Union and SOS‑UK.
“By working collaboratively, we’ve been able to create lasting, far‑reaching change in how we talk about drugs and alcohol, how we support students, and how we build a healthier campus culture. We’re excited to continue this work and ensure that harm reduction remains at the heart of the student experience at UON.”
Rosie Harvey added: “It was a pleasure to speak at the Student Drug and Alcohol conference and to emphasise the important role senior staff have in supporting harm reduction within institutions. I also delivered a session focused on how UON and NSU utilise data and alternative methods of data collection to support our work in this area.
“Being able to celebrate our drug and alcohol work on a national stage was incredibly special, with a highlight being the receipt of our drug and alcohol accreditation after two years of hard work by staff from across the institution.”
You can find more information on the University’s harm reduction approach on our website, as well as on the Students’ Union website.