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/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

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, young people come together to talk honestly about vaping — what they see around them, what they have heard, and how common it feels in everyday life.

Voices have been anonymised to protect the privacy and safety of the young people involved due to vulnerability and safeguarding considerations.

The conversation explores why vaping is often seen as normal, how peer pressure and social media influence decisions, and the different beliefs young people have about risks and health. Participants also reflect on how easy it can be to access vapes, the reasons people try them, and the challenges of making choices when “everyone else seems to be doing it”.

Rather than delivering lectures or warnings, this episode focuses on real perspectives from young people in their own words, creating space for open discussion, questions, and reflection. The aim is to help young listeners think more critically about vaping, while also helping parents, carers, and professionals better understand what young people are experiencing and hearing.

This episode is designed to support education and prevention and can be used as a conversation starter in schools, youth settings, and at home, encouraging honest discussion about pressure, choices, and wellbeing.

⚠️ Content Notice & Disclaimer

This episode discusses vaping, peer pressure, and health-related topics. 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 or professional advice.

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

🤝 Support & Signposting (Havering / London)

If you or someone you know would like support:

CGL Havering – Drug, Alcohol & Vaping Support

Support for young people and families

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

NHS 111 – Mental Health 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

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, vaping, and the pressures they face, while building confidence, communication skills, and media experience.

Find out more at:

👉 www.youthunity.org

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, young people come together to share honest and powerful reflections on their lived experiences, exploring how everyday pressures, personal challenges, and difficult situations can shape choices, confidence, and wellbeing.

Through open conversation, the group talks about what it is really like to navigate issues such as peer pressure, mental health, and making decisions in environments where support is not always easy to access. The discussion highlights resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of having safe spaces where young people can speak openly without judgement.

This episode is part of Youth Unity’s commitment to creating youth-led platforms that amplify real voices, challenge stigma, and encourage positive conversations across communities.

⚠️ Content Notice & Disclaimer

This podcast discusses drugs, alcohol, and related personal experiences. While the aim is to educate, encourage reflection, and support safer choices, some content may be sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

The views expressed in this podcast 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 should not be interpreted as professional, medical, or legal advice.

This project was created to hear and understand what young people in Havering know, feel, and experience around drugs and alcohol, 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 (London-Based)

If you are a young person in London and need support, the following services can help:

NHS 111 (Mental Health Support):

Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent support.

Shout Crisis Text Line:

Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support 24/7.

Kooth (Ages 11–25):

Free online mental health support and counselling

👉 https://www.kooth.com

Childline (Under 19s):

Call 0800 1111 or visit https://www.childline.org.uk

London Youth Information:

Find local youth services and support near you

👉 https://londonyouth.org

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

More Information:

https://youthunity.org/beyond-the-buzz/

🔎 About Youth Unity

Youth Unity CIC works across Havering, London and surrounding areas delivering early-intervention youth work, mentoring, creative programmes and community outreach. We support young people to build confidence, make informed choices, and access positive opportunities.

Find out more at:

👉 www.youthunity.org