Bubbles in the community
Substance misuse and young people:
Bubbles in Tayside
As you may be aware there has been considerable media reporting in relation to an emerging drug trend known locally as Bubbles.
The term Bubbles relates to the drug known as Mephedrone which has effects similar to Ecstasy.
There have been a number of incidents recently in Tayside and throughout the UK, where young persons, including school age children, who have allegedly taken Mephedrone, have suffered ill effects and have required hospital treatment.
In Menzieshill High School we continue to work closely with the police to ensure the safety of everyone in our community.
In Dundee a leaflet has been produced for sharing with staff, parents and pupils to keep you reliably and safely involved and informed. Bubbles is a local name for capsules or small bags containing a substance called mephedrone which is readily available throughout Dundee. We know that young people in Dundee are using Bubbles, possibly attracted by the harmless-sounding name and by its low price.
Young people are being sold Bubbles on the pretext that the capsules are safe.
The capsules are not safe and there can be no guarantee of what may be in them.
As with all drugs mixtures, whose contents will vary in quality, strength and composition, the capsules are dangerous and may even endanger the life of the user, particularly when consumed with alcohol.
The advice we give to young people is:
“The only sure way of keeping safe is NOT to use this drug.”
If you would like more information, the leaflet can be downloaded from our website or collected from the school office. If you wish to discuss any issues related to Bubbles, please do not hesitate to contact a School Guidance Teacher.
Yours sincerely,
George Laidlaw, Head Teacher
Sources of help and information
Bubbles information and awarenessUp to date information and interactive guide on substance misuse and young people with Facts about Bubbles, links to further advice, Frequently Asked Questions, Advice, Sources of Information, school contacts which can be downloaded in leaflet form.
Download Bubbles Information LeafletA leaflet produced in Dundee for sharing with staff, parents and pupils to keep you reliably and safely involved and informed. It has been customised to include information relevant to our local community.
Links to health information sites throughout the UK dealing with health problems brought about by alcohol, smoking and drug addiction. Information includes advice and support available to sufferers and their families, friends and carers.
Information on managing drugs-related incidents in schools is available in Dundee City Council Education Department Revised Policy issued in August 2007 (Drug, Alcohol and Smoking Incidents – Guidelines for Schools).
Health Information for Young People
Its Cool2Talk and chatting with someone about health issues can help. You can post a question to a health advisor in Questions. Find your health solution in Answers. Find out Information for local Services in Tayside. Find information on specific topics at the Health Infozone. or ADD Any comments on Cool2Talk which are very welcome! See Feedback. It is Anonymous - Confidential - Free.
Cool2Talk has been funded by Tayside NHS Board and has been developed in partnership with Dialogue Youth.
'The Corner' is a health and information project providing a range of services for young people (11 - 25 years), with a particular emphasis on health promotion and prevention.
Through the city centre drop-in and outreach work 'The Corner' has over 1000 contacts per month from young people at the Drop In and within their communities.
The project is committed to offering young people easy access to information as part of an holistic approach to health and well-being. All services are informal, free and confidential.
Contact: Manager: Pete Glen, 18 Dock Street, Dundee DD1 3NP
phone: 206060 fax: 201929 email: pglen@nhs.net
Cair Scotland currently offers intensive support, harm reduction, restorative justice and mediation, employment rehabilitation and through-care and aftercare services to vulnerable young people and adults. They provide these services to individuals with a range of issues including substance misuse, offending and sexual health.
Contact: Operations Manager (Adult Service): Ms Ingrid Hainey, The Cairn Centre, 12 Rattray Street, Dundee DD1 1NA
NHS Tayside offer advice through NHS Choices: Your health, your choices. Worried someone is on drugs? You can find addresses, phone numbers and websites for services near you. Access: The A-Z of drugs . Find information, advice and support for carers