15/06/2026
Some absolutely brilliant and well-researched entries are coming through as part of our poster competition with Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C , Action Together and Sunshine Snacks.
We're often led to believe that substance misuse is an issue buried beneath stigma and shame, but for us, it is young people — our future — who can help change the tide within South Asian communities.
Research consistently shows that delaying or preventing substance use during adolescence reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders and related harms later in life. This is true regardless of background, which is why prevention and open conversations matter so much.
As a community, we must rise collectively to this challenge and stop waiting for someone else to "save us." We are more than capable. We have the talent, the compassion, and the courage to face this issue head-on and spare countless families from pain and heartbreak.
Let's begin by normalising conversations around addiction instead of stigmatising those affected by it. Real change starts when we replace silence with understanding and judgement with compassion.
Rochdale can lead the way!
