I first came in contact with MYDAS when my doctor recommended the service to my mum. She had brought me to the doctor because she found out I was taking cannabis and she did not know what to do.

She contacted MYDAS and within days a keyworker was assigned to me. I really didn’t know what to expect. I was going through a difficult period and smoking cannabis and drinking helped me cope.

When I joined my keyworker for one-to-one meetings she made me feel at ease and did not pressure me into stopping. She worked with me on harm reduction and educating me around my substance misuse. We worked together on areas of my life that I was finding difficult. Today I do not take drugs, and I don’t drink alcohol anymore.

"My life is so much better and I can now talk to my parents about things that I was not able to talk about before. MYDAS has helped me so much. I now feel confident in myself when I am offered drugs, and I know now the correct thing for me to do.”

Geraldine (Matt’s mother): “I would highly recommend MYDAS, they are an excellent support for not only the person, but all the family. When we first met Matt’s keyworker she made us feel hope, as we were at our wits’ end by that stage."

Matt, (15), MYDAS Project