What do young people really think about alcohol — and how is drinking talked about among students today?

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, a group of Year 12 students take part in an open and honest conversation about alcohol and the role it can play in youth culture. The discussion explores how alcohol is often referred to using slang terms such as booze, bevs, drinks, pints and shots, and how these casual references can sometimes make drinking seem normalised among young people.

Through thoughtful discussion, the students reflect on the pressures that can exist around parties, social situations and peer expectations. They explore how alcohol is portrayed on social media, in music and within wider youth culture, and how these influences can shape attitudes towards drinking.

The conversation also looks at the potential risks associated with alcohol misuse, including impacts on decision-making, personal safety, mental wellbeing and physical health. Rather than focusing on judgement or fear-based messaging, the episode encourages honest dialogue, critical thinking and informed choices.

Inside this episode

✔ Year 12 students’ perspectives on alcohol and youth culture

✔ Common slang terms and how drinking is talked about among peers

✔ Social media, parties and peer influence

✔ Understanding the risks associated with alcohol misuse

✔ Encouraging safer and more informed decision-making

Produced by Youth Unity as part of the youth-led podcast series Beyond the Buzz, this episode creates space for young people to discuss real issues affecting their lives and encourages open, informed conversations within communities.

This episode was created in collaboration with Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up, supporting education, awareness and harm reduction approaches around substance use.

⚠️ Sensitive Content Disclaimer

This episode includes discussion about alcohol use and youth drinking culture. The views shared reflect the experiences and perspectives of students within a facilitated educational setting.

The content is provided for education and awareness purposes only and aims to support informed decision-making. Some listeners may find aspects of this conversation sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

Youth Unity does not promote or encourage substance misuse.

Support and Further Information

If you would like advice or support around alcohol or substance use, help is available:

• Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

• Talk to FRANK – Honest information about drugs and alcohol

https://www.talktofrank.com

If you are a young person concerned about your wellbeing, consider speaking to a trusted adult, teacher, youth worker or local support service.

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, Year 12 students take part in an open discussion about lean — a substance often referenced in music and online culture but rarely discussed in terms of its real risks.

The conversation explores what lean is, how it is portrayed culturally, and the slang terms young people may hear such as lean, purple drank, sizzurp, syrup, dirty sprite and purple. Students reflect on how these references can sometimes normalise substance misuse, particularly through social media and music.

Through honest discussion, the group looks at the serious health risks associated with misuse, including the dangers of combining substances and the potential impact on physical and mental health. The episode encourages young people to question what they see online, challenge misconceptions, and better understand the real-world consequences associated with misuse.

Rather than using judgement or fear-based messaging, the conversation focuses on education, awareness and informed decision-making.

Inside this episode

✔ What lean is and how it is talked about in youth culture

✔ Slang terms and how they appear in music and social media

✔ The health risks associated with misuse

✔ How cultural references can influence perceptions

✔ Encouraging informed choices and critical thinking

Produced by Youth Unity as part of the youth-led podcast series Beyond the Buzz, this episode provides a platform for young people to discuss real issues affecting their lives and to promote open, informed conversations within communities.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This episode includes discussion of substance misuse and associated health risks. The content reflects the views shared by students within a facilitated educational setting and is provided for education and awareness purposes only. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know needs support around substance use, information and advice is available through:

• Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

• Talk to FRANK – Honest information about drugs

https://www.talktofrank.com

Young people concerned about their wellbeing are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult, teacher, youth worker or support service.

What do older students really think about cannabis — and how is it talked about in schools and youth culture?

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, a group of Year 12 students take part in an open and honest conversation exploring cannabis and the way it is often discussed among young people. The discussion looks at what cannabis is, why it is so commonly talked about, and the different slang terms young people may hear such as weed, skunk, bud, grass, ganja, hash, zoot, spliff and loud.

Through thoughtful discussion, the students reflect on how cannabis appears in music, social media and peer conversations, and why curiosity, perception and peer influence can sometimes shape attitudes towards it. The group also explores the difference between myths and facts around cannabis use, including potential impacts on health, mental wellbeing, concentration and decision-making.

Rather than focusing on judgement or fear-based messaging, the episode encourages critical thinking, honest dialogue and informed decision-making, giving young people space to share perspectives and ask questions in a safe and respectful environment.

Inside this episode

✔ Year 12 students’ perspectives on cannabis

✔ Common slang terms and how they appear in youth culture

✔ Myths vs facts about cannabis use

✔ The influence of social media, music and peer conversations

✔ Understanding risks and making informed choices

Produced by Youth Unity as part of a youth voice and creative media programme, Beyond the Buzz provides a platform for young people to discuss real issues affecting their lives while encouraging open and informed conversations within communities.

This episode has been created in collaboration with Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up, supporting awareness, education and harm-reduction approaches around substance use.

⚠️ Sensitive Content Disclaimer

This episode contains discussion about cannabis and substance use. The conversation reflects the views and perspectives shared by Year 12 students within a facilitated educational setting.

The content is provided for education, awareness and discussion purposes only and aims to support informed decision-making. Some listeners may find aspects of this discussion sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

Youth Unity does not promote or encourage substance use.

Support and Further Information

If you would like advice or support around cannabis or substance use, the following services can help:

• Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

• Talk to FRANK – Honest information about drugs

https://www.talktofrank.com

If you are a young person and feel worried about your health, safety or wellbeing, please consider speaking to a trusted adult, youth worker, teacher or local support service.

Why are young people hearing more about cocaine — and what do they actually need to know?

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, young people explore honest conversations around cocaine, breaking down myths, social pressures and the real-life risks often missing from everyday discussions.

Through youth-led dialogue, this episode looks at how drugs are portrayed in media and peer culture, why misinformation can be dangerous, and how understanding the realities behind substance use can help young people make safer, informed choices.

This isn’t about judgement — it’s about real voices having real conversations.

Inside this episode:

✔ The realities behind cocaine use and common misconceptions

✔ Peer pressure, social influence and risk awareness

✔ Physical and mental health impacts

✔ Understanding consequences and safer decision-making

✔ Supporting open conversations within communities

Produced by Youth Unity as part of a youth voice and creative media project, this episode aims to educate through honest storytelling and encourage informed discussion around substance awareness.

Created in collaboration with Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up to support awareness, harm reduction and informed conversations around substance use.

⚠️ This episode discusses substance use and may contain sensitive topics. Content is provided for educational and awareness purposes only.

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

What are nicotine pouches and snus products — and why are more young people seeing them everywhere?

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, young people explore the growing popularity of nicotine products including snus, nicotine pouches and vaping culture, unpacking the myths, risks and real-life conversations happening in schools and communities today.

Through honest, youth-led discussion, this episode looks beyond trends and marketing to examine what these products are, how they affect health and wellbeing, and why awareness and informed choices matter.

This isn’t a lecture — it’s real voices sharing real perspectives.

Inside this episode:

✔ What snus and nicotine pouches actually are

✔ Why nicotine products are becoming more visible among young people

✔ Peer pressure, social media influence and misinformation

✔ Physical and mental health considerations

✔ Making safer, informed decisions

Produced by Youth Unity as part of a youth voice and creative media project, this episode creates space for open, non-judgemental conversations about nicotine use, youth culture and wellbeing — empowering young people through knowledge, dialogue and lived experience.

Created in collaboration with Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up to support awareness and informed discussion around substance use and harm reduction.

⚠️ This episode discusses substance use and nicotine products and may contain sensitive topics.

Keywords: nicotine pouches UK, snus awareness, youth vaping discussion, nicotine education podcast, youth voice podcast, harm reduction, drug awareness UK, Beyond the Buzz.

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

What is SPICE really, and why are more young people talking about it?

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, young people explore the reality behind SPICE, a synthetic drug often misunderstood but increasingly visible across UK communities. Through honest, youth-led conversations, this episode challenges myths, shares real perspectives, and opens up important discussions about risk, peer pressure and informed choices.

This isn’t a lecture it’s real voices talking honestly about what young people are seeing and experiencing.

Inside this episode:

✔ What SPICE actually is and why it’s different

✔ Peer pressure, misinformation and youth culture

✔ Real physical and mental health risks

✔ Harm reduction and safer decision making

Produced by Youth Unity as part of a youth voice media project, this episode creates space for open dialogue without judgement empowering young people through honest storytelling and awareness.

⚠️ This episode discusses substance use and may include sensitive topics. Educational and awareness purposes only.

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

🎙️ Beyond the Buzz: Expert Answers to Young People’s Questions

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, young people are joined by a drug and alcohol professional to ask honest questions and explore the realities of substance use, risk, and support.

The conversation covers common concerns and misconceptions, including why young people may feel pressure to try substances, how drugs and alcohol can affect physical and mental health, and what support is available for young people who are worried about themselves or someone they care about. The professional responds directly to the questions raised by the group, helping to separate fact from myth in a clear and non-judgemental way.

This episode is designed to balance young people’s lived experience with trusted information, supporting better understanding, safer choices, and early help. It also provides parents, carers, and professionals with insight into the questions young people are asking and the issues they are navigating.

The discussion is suitable for use in schools, youth settings, and family conversations, helping to open up honest dialogue around drugs and alcohol in a way that feels accessible and relevant to young people.

⚠️ Content Notice & Disclaimer

This episode discusses drugs, alcohol, and related risks, and includes educational information shared by a professional. Some content may be sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

The professional’s contributions are for general information and awareness only and do not replace personalised medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. The views expressed do not represent the official views of Havering Council or Youth Unity CIC.

This project was created to understand and respond to what young people in Havering know, feel, and experience around drugs and alcohol, and to provide supportive, preventative education — not to promote or normalise substance use.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, please seek professional support.

🤝 Support & Signposting (Havering / London)

If you or someone you know would like support:

CGL Havering – Drug & Alcohol Support Services

Confidential support for young people and families

👉 https://www.changegrowlive.org/havering

NHS 111 – Mental Health & Crisis Support

Call 111 and select the mental health option

Shout Crisis Text Line (24/7)

Text SHOUT to 85258

Kooth (Ages 11–25)

Free online mental health support

👉 https://www.kooth.com

Childline (Under 19s)

Call 0800 1111

👉 https://www.childline.org.uk

If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.

🎧 About Beyond the Buzz

Beyond the Buzz is a youth-led podcast series by Youth Unity CIC, commissioned by Havering Council Public Health and delivered in partnership with CGL Havering. The series creates safe spaces for young people to talk openly about drugs, alcohol and vaping, while building confidence, communication and media skills.

👉 www.youthunity.org

If you would like, I can also prepare:

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, young people take part in an open and interactive conversation about lean and ketamine — what they are, what they hear about them, and how common they feel in everyday life.

The discussion explores where young people are getting their information from, the myths and misunderstandings that exist, and how social media, music and peer groups can influence attitudes towards these substances. The group also takes part in a trivia-style activity, testing what they think they know and opening up honest conversations about risks, effects, and consequences.

Rather than being told what to think, young people are encouraged to reflect, ask questions, and learn together. The episode balances education with youth voice, helping listeners better understand how knowledge, misinformation, and social pressure can shape decisions.

This episode is designed to support prevention and awareness and can be used as a conversation starter in schools, youth settings, and at home, helping parents, carers, and professionals understand what young people are hearing and how they interpret messages around drug use.

⚠️ Content Notice & Disclaimer

This episode discusses drugs including lean and ketamine, as well as personal opinions and experiences. Some content may be sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

The views shared are those of the young people and contributors speaking about their own experiences and perceptions. They do not represent the views or opinions of Havering Council, CGL Havering, or Youth Unity CIC, and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.

This project was created to understand what young people in Havering know, feel, and hear about drugs and alcohol, not to promote or normalise substance use.

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, please seek professional support.

🤝 Support & Signposting (Havering / London)

If you or someone you know would like support:

CGL Havering – Drug & Alcohol Support Services

Confidential support for young people and families

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

👉 https://www.changegrowlive.org/havering

NHS 111 – Mental Health & Crisis Support

Call 111 and select the mental health option

Shout Crisis Text Line (24/7)

Text SHOUT to 85258

Kooth (Ages 11–25)

Free online mental health support

👉 https://www.kooth.com

Childline (Under 19s)

Call 0800 1111

👉 https://www.childline.org.uk

If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.

🎧 About Beyond the Buzz

Beyond the Buzz is a youth-led podcast series by Youth Unity CIC, commissioned by Havering Council Public Health and delivered in partnership with CGL Havering. The series gives young people safe spaces to talk honestly about drugs, alcohol, vaping and risk, while building confidence, communication and media skills.

👉 www.youthunity.org